From Ashes to Awesome: Why Today, and Every Day, is a Day to Be Proud of India

Let’s get real for a sec. We've all heard the stories of colonization and how the British left India in a state of, well, total disarray. It wasn't just a tough time; it was complete and utter plunder. The British didn't just stumble upon some random land; they deliberately targeted what was, at the time, the richest country in the world. Back in the 1700s and 1800s, before they even started their colonial shenanigans, India was basically the MVP of the global economy, making up over a quarter of the world’s GDP.

Fast forward 200 years of exploitation, and what did they leave us with? A measly 3% of global GDP and a whopping 90% of the population living below the poverty line. Oh, and let's not forget the basics: a literacy rate under 17% and a life expectancy that barely hit 30. As the American historian Will Durant pointed out, the Brits spent less on education for the entire country than a single US state spent on its high schools. Talk about a glow-down.

The Ultimate Comeback Story

But here's the thing: we just didn't survive. We thrived. Since gaining independence, India has been on a serious glow-up, and it's something to be genuinely hyped about.

The Health & Wellness Level-Up

We went from a life expectancy of 32 to almost 70. We completely kicked epidemics like polio to the curb, a huge win considering we make up 17% of the world's population. It's not just a statistic; it's a testament to our relentless dedication to our people.

Beyond the Atmosphere

Remember when we started our space program in 1969 with a rocket on a bicycle? Now, we're launching lunar and Mars missions, and even helping other developed countries launch their satellites at a fraction of the cost. We're low-key space bosses, and we're not even sorry about it. This isn't just about cool space tech; it's about saving lives. Our space programs have been a game-changer for forecasting cyclones and saving countless people from natural disasters.

Brainpower and Brawn

Our independent journey has also been about building a knowledge powerhouse. The government set up iconic institutions like the IITs, which have fueled everything from our Green Revolution to our tech and IT boom. Seriously, we're basically the world's leading exporters of engineers. It’s a flex, but it’s a valid one.

Running the Show

India's democratic institutions are a whole other level of awesome. As a new and poor nation, we could have crumbled, but instead, we built one of the world's strongest democracies, giving every citizen a voice, no matter their background. And on the global stage, we're a force to be reckoned with. We have one of the world's largest militaries and most advanced missile programs. Our independent foreign policy means we're calling our own shots, and that's a huge deal.

So yeah, today isn't a national holiday, but it's a day to feel proud. The journey from the ashes the British left us in to the rising global power we are today is nothing short of epic. As Shashi Tharoor so perfectly puts it, "There can be no comparisons between the accomplishments of India rising from the ashes British left us in and British India." We’ve come a long way, and the future looks lit.