Two Desis

Introduction

India, a land of ancient civilizations and diverse cultures, witnessed a remarkable transformation before and after gaining independence from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947. The journey from a subjugated colony to a sovereign nation was fraught with challenges, but it also presented opportunities for growth and development. 

India Before Independence

The arrival of European traders in the 17th century marked the beginning of British colonial domination. Before that, India was a tapestry of rich civilizations and dynasties, and flourished with advancements in science, art, and culture. 

The British East India Company gradually expanded its control over the Indian subcontinent, exploiting its resources and imposing their political and economic interests. India became a center of raw material extraction, leading to the decline of local industries and widespread poverty. The exploitation, combined with oppressive policies, led to numerous famines, causing immense suffering and loss of lives.

The struggle for independence began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spearheaded by visionary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose. Non-violent civil disobedience and mass movements became the weapons of choice to fight against British rule. These efforts culminated in the historic Quit India Movement of 1942, which significantly weakened the colonial administration and paved the way for eventual independence.

India After Independence

On August 15, 1947, India finally broke free from the shackles of colonial rule and emerged as an independent nation. With challenges looming ahead, India’s leaders were determined to build a nation based on democracy, secularism, and social justice.

One of the first tasks after independence was to draft a constitution that would serve as the guiding framework for the nation, based on fundamental rights, equality, and the principles of governance. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, transforming the country into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.

The focus of the New India was economic development and self-reliance. Significant progress was made in the fields of agriculture, industry, and education, laying the foundation for a more prosperous future. However, challenges persisted, including widespread poverty, illiteracy, and socio-economic disparities.

India’s commitment to democracy was reaffirmed through a robust electoral system, allowing its citizens to exercise their right to vote freely. Despite being a vast and diverse nation, with hundreds of languages and cultures, India managed to maintain its unity through a shared sense of identity and national pride.

The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s brought about a significant transformation in India’s agricultural sector. New high-yielding crop varieties, coupled with better irrigation and agricultural practices, led to increased food production and reduced dependence on food imports. This resulted in improved food security for millions of Indians and set the stage for further economic growth.

The period after independence also witnessed challenges on the diplomatic front. India maintained a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, seeking to forge alliances without aligning with any of the superpowers. It played a crucial role in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, advocating for global peace and cooperation.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, India experienced significant economic liberalization and globalization reforms. These policies aimed to open up the economy, attract foreign investment, and boost trade. The Information Technology (IT) revolution spurred growth in the services sector, making India a global hub for IT outsourcing and software development.