Today is India’s 57th anniversary of independence, it is also her 57th birthday. Before this day 57 years ago there was no India as we knew it. It was a land of many peoples, and many nations and today we are unquestioningly one.
Yet, on this day one can’t but help retrospect on missed opportunities & failures – and above all things that make me incredibly proud of being an Indian
Missed Opportunities & Failure

1) Peace, coexistenace and better trade with our neighbours – behaving like Tom and Jerry has caused all our nations dearly. Monies for development have ended up with arms dealers
2) Education for all – the failure to provide 100% education is one of our greatest tragedies
3)Eradicating the caste system – which ais still alive and kicking
4) A public service broadcaster – DD and AIR are jokes
5) Tackling Corruption in Public Life – 15% of all funds reaches the targetted receipient
6) Population Control Problem – we add the equivalent of Australia every single year
7) A Uniform Civil Code – not implementing it has cost Muslim and Christian women dearly

Success stories & things that make me proud

1) The idea of being a nation – technically speaking we shouldn’t be one, we have nothing in common with each other. Yet, we are Indians, and in a world torn apart by ethnicity and religion, we hold out as one. There are the regular disruptions when we wonder if we will survive. and yet just as the rent forms, it heals itself. And that truly is the miracle called India.
2) The co-operative movement – Amul, Lijjat, – illiterate women coming together to form successful and profitable corporations
3) The flag & the anthem- when i see it flutter or hear it sung, there is something in my heart that constricts with pride. I
4) Ordinary Indians – no matter which corner of India you go to, irrespective of whether you belong to that culture or speak that language – you are home.
5) Secularism – as not being the absence of religion or faith – but the acceptance of multiple faiths and Gods. And, despite the best efforts of fundamentalists from all religions – this is the underlying fabric of India
6) The Armed forces – for not ever deciding to leave their barracks to run the country. For not breaking too many human rules during conflicts, and for ensuring that for most of the last 57 years we have lived in peace.

So Happy 57th India – and here’s to the next 5700:)