India should explore opportunities and exert its position and influence for global good: Climate change, human rights and freedom of the press, national and regional security, peaceful resolution of conflicts, space exploration and skillful use of technology to advance medical solutions to diseases and vaccinations.  Moreover, India should secure its rightful position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. 

Indians sacrificed for many years with continuing struggles on many fronts in attaining their hard fought and wrenching freedom from Britain on 15^th August 1947. The Indian people used various independence movements, in particular nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, to become free and independent. The partition with Pakistan resulted in violent riots, mass casualties, wrenching dislocation of millions of people and lasting bitterness. The people of India and Indians of the Diaspora living in other countries take much pride in this annual celebration to validate their progress, confidence, commitment and resilience.

The 77^th anniversary of India’s independence is glorious celebration of a nation which has made enormous progress from its chaotic birth on August 15, 1947 to become a thriving economic and geo-strategic nation wooed by major world powers and regional partners for strategic and economic partnerships and alliances. India has made enormous strides and progress since its independence, from dependency to becoming a major geo-economic and strategic entity in the global arena.

It is a pivotal moment and the dawn of a new era in Indian’s respectable standing in the world amidst a changing world order due in large measure to India’s enormous and sustained progress: Economic, military, geo-strategic, security, infra-structure, advances in education levels, medical and social improvements. It is a unique position of strength, independence and respectability, in combination with visionary long term strategic considerations.

Indian’s Prime Minister Hon Narendra Modi ji said:  “We never lost our ambitions of being a free nation and India is indebted to all its freedom fighters but cannot forget the pains of partition. This is the can-do generation. All of our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, scientists developing vaccinations. Democracy is not just a structure; it is also a spirit. It is based on the belief that the needs and aspirations of every human being are equally important. India, despite the many global challenges, is the fastest growing major economy today. This itself is the best advertisement for democracy in the world”.

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life”, said Mahatma Gandhi. “Freedom is not given; it is taken”, said Subhash  Chandra Bose.

India should explore opportunities and exert its position and influence for global good: Climate change, human rights and freedom of the press, national and regional security, peaceful resolution of conflicts, space exploration and skillful use of technology to advance medical solutions to diseases and vaccinations.  Moreover, India should secure its rightful position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

While maintaining its independence and consideration of its own interests, India should strengthen its long established and unique partnership with the USA for necessity and geo-economic and geo-political reasons. The strengthening of this mutually beneficial partnership is crucial for India’s progress and standing in the world, for the USA continuing its position as a global influencer, and for the increasing and motivated Indian Diaspora in America: The world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy need each other’s commitment and respect as they continue to solidify this important bond that brings more stability and progress in the world.

Areas of enhancing the India-USA partnership should include: Strategic alliance; Economic alliance; Reducing the impact of climate change; Peaceful resolution of global and border conflicts; Eradicating childhood diseases and child labour; Water and food security; Human rights, diversity and cultural integrity; Territorial integrity; Cultural preservation; Addressing the impact of migration from underdeveloped countries; Preparing for the next pandemic (vaccines and distribution); High technology solutions to medical and social problems; Guidelines of use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

As India continues its transformation and adaptation as it has done for centuries, there is significant advances in transparency, children’s and women’s rights, equitable treatment, infra-structure, economics, education and health. The future bodes well for continued progress beneficial to all Indians and the world. India’s enduring vitality is strong and vibrant.

 (The author is President, Indian Diaspora Council Inter