The whole nation is celebrating the 75 years of independence as "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" and we got independence with Nehru's speech “at the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” In the last seven decades, India has overcome many economic, social and political hurdles but still, we have miles to go. Here I have my opinions on the completion of 75 years of India's independence. 

What have we achieved? 

We advanced ourselves in space technology. We have advanced ourselves in space technology. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of our space technology, has shown us the way in the space sector and now we are a mile ahead of the beginning. ISRO which was founded by him is now launching its mission on the Moon and Mars along with helping other nations with satellite launches as well. 

During independence, the country only had 12 per cent literacy; now it is 70 percent. Sarv Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the right to Education have given us the path to educating our children. Talking about the country's life expectancy which was 32 years in 1947 now it has improved to 69 years, it's one main big reason is the green revolution which increases cereal production in the nation that ultimately reduces poverty and starvation. 

Earning per capita of the countrymen in 1947 were 617 dollars now it is 6500 dollars. The economic reform of 1991 paved for the free market which changes the nation’s economy and the earnings of the individual. The nation became a nuclear power in 1999 and showed the world the importance of nuclear power for peace rather than in retaliation. During the pandemic when the whole world has shortages of covid vaccines, India is the manufacturing hub of vaccine production. and we helped other countries by providing them with safe vaccines during the crisis.

What yet to achieve?

We still exist in a caste system where a Dalit boy has been beaten to death by a school teacher. People are being divided on the basis of caste, credit and religion.  Our politicians are the main accused of caste and religious hatred in the country. In the present modern world, they are instilling people's minds about hatred against other religions and providing tickets on the basis of caste.

Women of India are still not safe after the end of seven decades and are still being treated unequally in society. The only way to end the patriarchal mindset is to educate the people. Our Parliament is also yet to pass the women's reservation bill to give 33 per cent reservation to women in Lok sabha.

Children need education, as Nelson Mandell has said, “Education is the most powerful weapon in the world.” Even today, we are not giving value to Education, our government only spends below 2 per cent of the GDP on education sectors whereas developed nations like the USA and Germany provide 8 per cent of their GDP to education. Corruption is another menace which continuously degrading the progressive path of our economy, even after 75 years of independence we are at 85th place on the corruption perception index out of 180 countries. 

Health system of a country where private players are in domination. Our rural India is struggling for better health. Every year millions of people are pushed into poverty due to health expenses. Various schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Health and wellness centres are away from the reach of rural people. The Digital world also has changed the lifestyle of the people. India is faster in adopting the technology and has expedited the nation’s growth but the gap between rural and urban India has increased more in digital connectivity because it lacks proper infrastructure in rural areas.

Conclusion 

We have achieved so many things in the last 75 years but still, we have miles to go. As our prime minister, Narendra Modi, said on the 76th anniversary of our country's independence from Red Fort, "Our country will prosper in the next 25 years." However, the big question is what road maps and plans he has in line.