On the occasion of our 78th Independence Day, here is my list of the major inflection points in our nation’s history.

1. 1950: Adoption of our Constitution
This made India a sovereign, democratic republic, established our parliamentary democracy, fundamental rights and our federal structure.

2. 1965 – 72: Green Revolution and White Revolution
Introduction of high-yield seeds, irrigation expansion and fertilisers transformed agriculture, leading to self-sufficiency in food grain production and reducing dependence on imports and famine vulnerability.
Transformed dairy, making India the largest milk producer in the world.

3. 1975–1977: Emergency
The Emergency suspended civil liberties, censored the press and led to the erosion of democratic freedoms. This period tested India’s democratic resilience and shone a light on the effects of the concentration of executive power.

4. 1991: Economic Liberalisation
Facing a balance-of-payments crisis, India initiated wide-ranging reforms: deregulation, reduced import tariffs and opening up to foreign investment. This transformed India’s economy from being socialist-planned to market-driven, setting the stage for decades of high growth.

5. 1998: Nuclear Tests at Pokhran
India conducted a series of underground nuclear tests, declaring itself a nuclear state. This prompted international sanctions but positioned India as a strategic global power.

6. 2000: IT Boom
Y2K and global demand for IT services propelled India’s software industry into global prominence. Created a new entrepreneurial and middle class and made services a key driver of GDP.

7. 2019–2023: Digital & Infrastructure push
Rollout of Aadhaar, UPI and Digital India transformed financial inclusion and payments.
Major infrastructure expansions (highways, airports, metros) and rapid adoption of smartphones reshaped urban and rural economies. The Golden Quadrilateral connected major metros via modern highways, boosting trade and logistics.

8. 2013 – 2023: Space successes
In 2013 the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) made us the first Asian nation to reach Mars’ orbit and that too on the first attempt.
In 2023 Chandrayaan-3 made India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.

9. Transformation of savings: From a low savings, aid dependent country post independence, India today has one of the highest savings rates in the world which has allowed it to self-finance investment, deepen capital markets and become the foundation of India’s growth story.

Is your list different? Do share.