Breaking News Online 1000: 25 Most Significant Events in India (Post-Independence)

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

Greetings Readers! Welcome to the 1000th post at Breaking News Online. We kept wondering what we should offer to our readers on this special occasion, but later realized something related to India would fit into this category. To refresh the memory of our readers and pay tribute to Mother India, we have come up with 25 most significant events in India post-independence.

We admit that there are hundreds of such events that could have been included in this list. Many people may differ with this list and instead suggest other events. So, we apologize in advance for not being to able to include their favorites.

We had sought our readers' opinion and suggestion on this dream post. We have included the names of some readers who have given their valuable opinion and suggestion. A few readers suggested the events and I did the research to shed further light on those. They are listed in a chronological order. Without further ado, let's take a tour of the events that made a significant impact on India and its people.

1. Accession of Kashmir to India - 1947

In a brave attempt to drive the Pakistani intruders out of Independent Kashmir, India successfully negotiated with Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir for the formal accession of the state to India. Hari Singh signed the Treaty of Accession with Indian Government, which was later accepted by Lord Mountbatten, the last Governor General of India on October 27, 1947. However, at least one-third of Kashmir still remains under Pakistan and is know as PoK (Pak-occupied Kashmir).

Kashmir has been the bone of contention between India and Pakistan for years and it turned out to be a never-ending conflict. None of the politicians in the past 60 years have been able to find a solution to resolve the Kashmir issue. It ultimately resulted in a rise in terrorism activities in the valley, which has claimed of hundreds of thousands of innocent of people. Young people, misguided and supported by Pakistan are creating havoc in various parts of India through terror attacks. India is having a tough time to fight the menace of terrorism that began with the accession of Kashmir in 1947.

2. Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination - 1948

The joy of freedom from the British rule and the despair of partition followed by the communal riots that killed thousands of people in both India and Pakistan, ended with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation on January 30, 1948. The entire nation and world plunged into grief, as Nathuram Godse's bullets into Gandhi's heart. With his untimely death, an era of freedom struggle and non-violent movement came to an end.

3. Birth of Indian Constitution - 1950
(Suggested by Sagarika Satapathy, Bhubaneswar)

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. A written Constitution was much needed, as India is the largest democracy in the world. The Constitution of India was framed after a careful study of number constitutions of other countries such as UK, USA, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and others. The draft of the constitution was prepared by a draft committee of 8 members. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, was the Chairman of the Draft Committee. India celebrates the birth anniversary of the Constitution on January 26, as Republic Day.

4. Liberation of Goa - 1961

Goa, the most beautiful tourist destination in the country was the last frontier for India to conquer. Even after the British left India, Goa remained under the Portuguese rule until 1961. The Portuguese were not willing to give up their claim on Goa despite repeated requests from India. That led to a massive freedom struggle, which was supported by the Indian government.

When all diplomatic efforts failed, India finally resorted to use of force. Supported by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army finally entered Goa on December 19, 1961 and ended the Portuguese rule in Goa. Portuguese Governor, Manuel Anonia Vassalo De Silva, signed the surrender document and within a few months, he and all Portuguese troops and officials were repatriated to Portugal. Diplomatic relations between India and Portugal were strained for decades.

5. Indo-Pak War - 1971

India fought three bitter wars between 1947 and 1971. While it won the 1947 and 1965 wars against Pakistan, it had to suffer a humiliating defeat by China in 1962, when it lost its most sacred Kailash Mountains and Mansarovar Lake to China forever. However, Indian regained its lost glory after the Indo-Pak War in 1971.

A new country, Bangladesh took birth and India was proud to lead the 'War of Independence' in Bangladesh. The 1971 War not only ended Pakistan's rule in East Pakistan (Bangladesh), but also forced the country to sign a humiliating treaty to get its 200,000 prisoners released. It was a great victory for India and its people.

6. Pokhran Nuclear Test - 1974

With a clear aim of becoming self-reliant in terms of power, India conducted its first ever nuclear test in 1974. It took the world by surprise by carrying out a nuclear explosion at Pokhran deserts on May 18, 1974. The government had termed it as a peaceful nuclear explosion experiment and maintained that India had no intention of producing nuclear weapons. However, truth was something else. India continued to build its nuclear capability and even the active CIA agents had no clue about India's design.

7. India launched its first Satellite - 1975

India joined a few elite countries in the world, when it launched the first Indian Space Satellite, Aryabhata on April 19, 1975. It was launched by Russian launch vehicle Intercosmos. Aryabhata provided technological experience in building and operating a satellite system. After that, there was no looking back and the country has achieved tremendous success in space science. Now India has the capabilities to launch foreign satellites and uses GSLV launcher to tap into the global commercial launcher market.

8. General Emergency - 1975

The dark era of National Emergency, still haunts the political leaders and people of this country. It was a blot on India's democracy and changed the political landscape of the country forever. The three pillars of Indian Democracy, Constitution, Judiciary and Press were murdered by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who later was ousted by the office only to come back after less than 2 years.

The drama began when the Allahabad HC judgment on June 12, 1975, declared Indira's election void. But Indira hit back by proclaiming Emergency, which suspended fundamental rights of the citizens and deprived the judiciary of carrying out any functions. All opposition-ruled state governments were dismissed. The freedom of the Press was curbed and all opposition leaders and workers were detained and beaten up mercilessly. The police dictated their terms elsewhere in the country.

If that was not enough, Indira Gandhi's son Sanjay Gandhi ordered sterilization and vasectomy of people by force. There was a sense of horror in the country. However, the emergency mobilized the forces that had different ideologies, but single goal. When the Emergency was lifted in 1977 and General Elections were held, for the first time in Indian history, opposition parties stormed to power. Indira Gandhi had failed to win even the Parliamentary seat.

9. India's World Cup Cricket win - 1983

Cricket is considered as a religion in India today. But it never had that much craze before 1983. People's perspective towards the game of cricket, has been completely changed, with historic World Cup win at Lord's on June 25, 1983. Underdogs India turned the heat on mighty West Indies and defended a meager total of 183 to win the Prudential Cup Crown. Kapil Dev, who led Indian team to that famous victory, became a National Hero.

10. Rakesh Sharma in Space - 1984

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd.) created history when he became the first Indian and 138th man to visit space. He achieved this milestone on April 02, 1984. Sharma spent 8 days in space aboard the Salyut 7 space station. He and two other Soviet cosmonauts had boarded Soyuz T-11 to reach the space. It was a historic moment for India. Unfortunately, India never sent any other cosmonauts to space then after.

11. Assassination of Indira Gandhi and Anti-Sikh riots - 1984
(Suggested by our Staff Writer, P. Neelakantha Achary, Bhubaneswar)

On the fateful day of October 31, 1984, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. They killed Mrs. Gandhi to avenge the "Operation Blue Star", in which armed troops entered the sacred Golden Temple at Amritsar, to flush out the Sikh militants. Over 1,000 people were killed in that operation.

The world was shocked at Indira's assassination. But his supporters took the law into their hands and it resulted in Anti-Sikh riots that killed more than 3,000 people in different parts of the country. Delhi was worst affected, as senior Congress leaders H.K.L. Bhagat, Sajjan Kumar and Dharam Dass Shastri allegedly led the carnage. The cases are still pending against them.

The carnage continued for 4 days and police and security personnel either remained mute spectators or abetted the crime. Sikh men were burnt alive, women were gang raped and there was no let up in the atrocities against innocent Sikhs. The violence receded only after the Army took the charge on November 03, 1984. In a shocking development, Indira Gandhi's son and newly appointed PM, Rajiv Gandhi had made an unfortunate statement to dismiss the pogrom that claimed more than 3,000 lives. He said, "When a big tree falls, the ground shakes".

12. Mandal Commission Report - (1990 - 1991)

The Mandal Commission Report, created a huge divide in Indian society, which will remain in place forever. The frequently occurred clashes between upper class and backward class people have been attributed to the seeds sown by Mandal Commission Report implemented by V P Singh government in 1990-1991.

The flawed report of the Mandal Commission, determined backwardness on the basis of caste. It benefited even the rich and influential people belonging to low caste people, while there was nothing for the poor people belonging to upper caste. The people who were responsible for dividing the society on the basis of caste were, V P Singh, Ram Vilas Paswan, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Sharad Yadav and B.P. Mandal himself.

Although the report was submitted in 1980, it was not seriously taken into consideration until V P Singh assumed office in 1989. Under the 1950 Constitution of India, 15% of educational and civil service seats were reserved for "scheduled castes" and 7.5% for "scheduled tribes". But Mandal Commission suggested 27 per cent more reservation for the OBCs, which was accepted by V P Singh government. Even Justice Kuldip Singh has pointed out that identification of 3743 castes by the Mandal Commission was seriously flawed.

The report caused widespread protest in various parts of India. A large number of students committed self-immolation and there have been violent protests everywhere. Despite the opposition and intervention of the Judiciary, the report was finally implemented after some changes. The Supreme Court made it clear that under no circumstances, reservation should exceed 50 per cent (currently, it is 49.5%). It also introduced the creamy layer, which included the poor and backward sections of the society irrespective of their caste and creed.

13. Economic Reforms in India - 1991

If India takes pride in becoming a self-reliant nation and for being one of the strong economies in the world, the credit goes to former PM P V Narasimha Rao and then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh (who is now PM of India). Manmohan Singh is regarded as the Father of Economic Reforms in India.

The economic reforms programme in the country, got a major boost, when the Rao government announced a new industrial policy in the Parliament in July, 1991. There was no looking back after that. Despite criticism and opposition from various quarters, the government focused on liberalization, privatization and globalization and the process is still underway. Interestingly, people who criticized the economic reforms at that time are now following these policies with much enthusiasm.

14. The Securities Scam - 1992
(Suggested by Raghuvir Kamath, Bangalore)

While the Economic Reforms launched by the Rao government was going on full swing in the country, a huge scam was waiting to explode anytime. When the media reports in April, 1992 indicated that there was a shortfall in the Government Securities held by the State Bank of India, it was suspected that something was wrong there. But nobody imagined that such a huge scandal was already committed.

The Securities Scam, involved misappropriation of funds to the tune of over Rs. 3500 crores. Everyone including top executives of large nationalized banks, foreign banks and financial institutions, brokers, bureaucrats and politicians were in a state of shock. The functioning of money market and the stock market collapsed and there was a panic among investors and brokers. The stock prices fell by over 40%, causing a loss to the tune of Rs. 100,000 crores for the investors.

The big stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who engineered the stock market crash and was the mastermind of the scam, was arrested. He was later charged with 72 criminal offenses. More than 600 civil action suits were filed against Harshad. However, he could not cope with the pressure and died in 2002 under mysterious circumstances.

15. Babri Demolition - 1992

On the fateful day of December 6, 1992, the disputed Babri Mosque in Ayodhya was razed to the ground by thousands of Karsevaks who have ascended over the venue from different parts of India. The demolition took place in presence of senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murali Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others. The demolition triggered violent clashes in India and abroad. 1993 Mumbai riots and Mumbai bomb blast were the repercussion of Babri Demolition.

Riding high on the issue of Babri Mosque issue, the BJP managed to polarize Hindu votes and got better day by day. However, it failed to keep its promise of building a Ram Temple at the disputed site, because of political compulsion. The matter is still sub judice. The Babri Demolition continued to haunt the BJP over the years. The party always looks divided on this issue.

16. Pokhran II Nuclear Explosion - 1998

24 years after India conducted its first nuclear test at Pokhran, Vajpayee government has shocked the world with series of nuclear tests on May 11 and May 13, 1998 at the same venue. The US intelligence authorities failed to anticipate the tests. The day May 11, 1998 coincided with Buddha Jayanti (Birth Anniversary of Lord Buddha). The Pokhran-II nuclear test was codenamed as "Operation Shakti".

The pioneer of this operation were Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister and Head of the DRDO (who later became the President of India), Dr. R.Chidambaram, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Director of BARC.

Although the nuclear tests resulted in a variety of sanctions against India by countries such as USA, Australia, Japan and others, India managed to hold its self esteem and dignity on the global arena. A decade later today, the world recognizes its nuclear potential and appreciates India for its commitment towards 'no-first use of nuclear weapons' policy.

17. The Kargil Conflict - 1999

After the success in three wars against Pakistan in 1947, 1965 and 1971, India never expected that it would have a tough time during the Kargil Conflict in 1999. The militants (Mujahideens) supported by Pakistan Army and ISI caught Indian Intelligence authorities unaware and took control of many strategic locations inside the Indian Territory. When the Indian authorities came to know about this unprecedented development, it was too late.

The Kargil Operation was masterminded by then Pakistan Army General Pervez Musharraf (who later became the President of Pakistan). After initial shock, the Indian Army supported by IAF, launched massive operation against the infiltrators. There were heavy causalities on both sides. The "Operation Vijay" launched by India deployed over 200,000 troops. However, 30,000 troops took part in the war. There were around 5,000 infiltrators armed with heavy artillery and rocket launchers.

Since the militants were on higher altitude locations, Indian Army had a tough time to flush them out. Some locations were at 18,000 feet (5,500 m) with temperatures of as low as -11 degree C to -15 degree C. However, finally India managed to regain all areas that were occupied by the Mujahideens.

After the massive offensive by the Army and IAF, India readied its Navy to attack Pakistan Ports to cut off supply routes. Pakistan government had no option but to come to negotiating table. Diplomatic efforts involving Indian PM A B Vajpayee, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and US President Bill Clinton forced Pakistan to withdraw its troops and Mujahideens across the Line of Control (LoC) and restore the status quo.

Althought Pakistan President Nawaz Sharif agreed to withdraw Pakistani troops on July 4, 1999, a large number of militants were still holed up and they refused to budge. Finally, the Indian Army launched its final attacks and re-captured all locations held by the Jihadis. The "Operation Vijay" was completed on July 26, 1998. India celebrated the day as "Vijay Diwas".

18. Indian Women winning all three International Beauty Pageants - 2000

One of our readers had requested to write something on the status of women and impact of Westernization on Indian culture. Since we list only historic events, I combined her suggestions and came up with this topic. Never before, Indian women have achieved such a milestone in the fashion and beauty pageants. Impact of Westernization on Indian culture was clearly visible when Indian women began participating in world beauty contests and won the crowns.

In 1994, Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai won Miss Universe and Miss World contests respectively. However, the year 2000 marked a great victory for the beauty and brain of Indian women. Three women who made the history were Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra and Diya Mirza. They won all three major International beauty pageants in the same year, something which never happened before.

While Lara Dutta won the Miss Universe crown, Priyanka Chopra had won the Miss World competition. Later, Diya Mirza went up to win Miss Asia Pacific Crown the complete a clean sweep for India. It was a great victory for Indian womanhood. Some people may not agree to this being included in top 25 significant events. But we have listed this, as it is associated with the Feminist movement in the country.

19. Militant Attack on Indian Parliament - 2001
(Suggested by P. Neelakantha Achary, Bhubaneswar)

Terrorism has already become a major concern in India, with its roots spreading to almost all states in the country. However, one incident that shook the foundation of Indian democracy was the 2001 Parliament attack. On December 13, 2001, a group of militants attacked the Indian Parliament, causing panic across the country. All five terrorists were gunned down in a 45-minute gun battle. The battle also claimed the lives of 8 people including 7 security personnel and a gardener. All militants belonged to Pakistan, but they were helped by some Indian nationals who had sympathy for the cause of terrorism.

It was for the bravery shown by the security personnel, a biggest tragedy was averted. They security personnel acted in time, sealed the Parliament gates and engaged the militants in a gun battle. They saved the lives of around 200 Ministers and MPs who were inside the Parliament Hall during that daring attack. It was reported that militants planned to take the Parliament and MPs into hostage. Several people were arrested and later tried in the Court. The mastermind Mohammad Afzal Guru was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of India. However, his death sentence is put on hold by the UPA Government, as it feared a backlash from the minority vote bank.

20. Godhra Tragedy and Gujarat Riots - 2002

When Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984, the massacre of innocent Sikhs continued for 4 days. However, the Gujarat Riots in 2002 crossed all limits. People played 'Holi' with innocent bloods. The bloodbath continued not for days, but for weeks and it claimed over 2,000 lives and displaced more than 150,000 people. It caused a sense of fear and trauma in the mind of minority people.

It all started when the coach of a train carrying mostly Hindu activists, was set on fire at Godhra station on February 27, 2002. At least 58 people, including 25 women and 15 children were burnt alive allegedly by miscreants belonging to minority community. That triggered the worst-ever communal riot in India, which divided the people of Gujarat on the basis of religion. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, his party BJP and the state administration were blamed for the riots. But Modi became the savior of Hindus and went on to win two consecutive state elections with the polarization of Hindu votes.

Modi, who has been condemned by world leaders, media, several organizations and activists, is unfazed. His clout in the party has increased manifold and today, it has become almost impossible to imagine BJP without Narendra Modi. He proved his detractors and all predictions wrong by winning the elections again in 2007. But the ghost of Gujarat Riots still haunts Modi and his soldiers. The Supreme Court has kept a close watch on the developments related to Gujarat riots cases and ordered the re-investigation of all major cases.

21. Taj Mahal as Numero Uno among New 7 Wonders of the World - 2007
(Suggested by Niharika Das, Bhubaneswar)

It was not an official contest organized by any UN body. But it generated maximum curiosity, enthusiasm and participation across the globe. The event was organized by New 7 Wonders. The competition was tough and people had the option to select their favorite one through phone, SMS and online voting.

The Taj Mahal made it to the list, in style. It received the highest number of votes and left all other monuments behind. It was historic moment for India, Taj Mahal was declared Numer Uno at a gala function held in Lisbon on July 07, 2007.

22. Pratibha Patil became the fist Woman President of India - 2007
(Suggested by Priyanka Mishra, Bhubaneswar)

Despite the controversies and mud slinging, Dr. Pratibha Patil made history, when she was elected the President of India on July 21, 2007. She defeated NDA-backed independent candidate BS Shekhawat (former Vice President of India) by a huge margin of 306,810 votes. Pratibha Patil was the first woman President of India.

It was alleged that Pratibha Patil was hand-picked by Congress President Sonia Gandhi because of the infighting in the Congress over the Presidential candidate. However, Pratibha Patil silenced her critics forever, by wining the election by a huge margin. Even some opposition MPs and MLAs voted in her favor.

23. India's Twenty20 World Cup Victory - 2007

Millions of Indian cricket fans across the globe celebrated with grandeur, when India beat arch-rival Pakistan in a tense and exciting final in South Africa to win the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup. The victorious Indian team was given a grand welcome when they landed in India. Cash rewards, prizes and gifts were showered on them from various sources. It was a great victory that India would cherish for a long time.

24. BSE Sensex hit 20,000 Mark for the first time - 2007

The BSE Sensex at Dalal Street, Mumbai, has been symbol of India's economic growth and progress. Millions of investors and companies in the country always expect a bullish run at the Sensex. On the historic day of October 30, 2007, the BSE Sensex hit a new peak by crossing the 20,000 mark for the first time in its history of trading. Interestingly, it took only six sessions to reach 20,000 from 19,000.

25. India not qualifying for Olympics Hockey - 2008
(Suggested by Raghuvir Kamath, Bangalore)

It was a shameful day (March 10, 2008) for Indian hockey, as India failed to qualify for the Olympics Hockey for the first time since it started participating in Olympics in 1928. India failed to secure an Olympic berth, when they went down tamely to Great Britain in the Olympic Hockey qualifier final. The golden era of Indian hockey, when India won six consecutive Olympics gold medals from 1928 (Amsterdam) to 1956 (Melbourne) is history now.

Ironically, Hockey is the national game of our country. In Olympics history, India had won 8 gold, 1 silver and two bronze medals from 1928 to 1980. Be it the impact or cricket or the dictatorship of IHF President Mr. K P S Gill, Indian hockey is dying a premature death. It was perhaps the last shocking incident for people of India after Independence till date.

Important Update (April 08, 2008):

We just published another article titled "10 Important Events that we missed in our 1000th Post". Please have a look on that.