India was not made overnight. Nor were these Indians. Ordinary in appearance, they harbour extraordinary spirit and inexhaustible strength. If before 1947 India was considered an exotic land associated with snake charmers and fakirs lying on beds of nails, then today it is called a land of
immense acumen, a land, which has produced many pioneers.
Through their dedication, hard work and optimism these achievers not only fueled India’s growth but also gave it international recognition.
If CV Raman and Mother Teresa got us the Noble prize, then Satyajit Ray got us an Oscar and Salman Rushdie got us our first Booker prize.
Cutting edge scientists, talented singers, excellent writers, amazing actors, sensitive academicians, dedicated sportsperson, persevering entrepreneurs and even gifted politicians and honest bureaucrats, you name them and we have them. Together they were the fathers and mothers of a newly born nation and 60 years later they are still credited with shaping India’s attitude and policies.
Not only were these people just successful in their respective fields, they were visionaries who dared to think beyond the present and create a beautiful future not just for their children but also for their country, all of us.