India: Events Post-1960

India: Events after 1960

1960s

• India became a sovereign democratic nation with a constitution in 1950, fostering a multicultural environment.
• The Planning Commission was established to promote industrialization, economic development, and poverty alleviation.
• Significant tensions existed with China, culminating in the 1962 Sino-Indian War over the disputed MacMahon line.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, as a prominent leader, shaped India’s foreign policy and drove social and economic initiatives until his death in 1964.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri succeeded Nehru and emphasized the slogan "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan," advocating for soldiers and farmers.
• The 1965 Indo-Pakistani War over Kashmir drew international attention, with the Soviet Union mediating attempts for peace.
• Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1966, implementing significant reforms, including bank nationalization.

1970s

• The 1971 Indo-Pakistani War led to the independence of Bangladesh.
• India conducted a successful underground nuclear test in 1974 at Pokharan, advancing its atomic energy agenda.
• The emergency state declared in 1975 led to a suspension of fundamental rights and increased governmental control.
• Post-emergency elections in 1977 resulted in a Janata Party victory against the Congress Party.

1980s

• The decade saw rising tensions as the Sikh separatist movement gained momentum in Punjab, facing support from Pakistan.
• Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984 by her own bodyguards in retaliation for military operations at the Golden Temple.
• Rajiv Gandhi succeeded her and pushed for economic reforms, engaging with Tamil issues in Sri Lanka, with mixed results.
• The end of the 1980s witnessed a growing insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to significant displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
• In 1989, Vishwanath Pratap Singh introduced reservations for OBCs but faced internal party conflicts, leading to subsequent unstable governments.

1990s

• 1991 marked heightened geopolitical change with the Soviet Union's collapse, prompting economic reforms under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
• India embraced economic liberalization, spurring foreign investments and growth in the information technology sphere.
• Notable internal conflicts included the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and increasing unrest in Kashmir.
• The 1996-1999 period saw a lack of political majority, with multiple prime ministers including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who later led the National Democratic Alliance to power in 1999.

Economic Reforms and Growth

• Economic policies post-independence focused on modernization, self-sufficiency, and social justice, managed through the National Planning Commission and Five-Year Plans.
• Major economic liberalization initiatives post-1991 transformed the Indian economy, facilitating globalization and technological advancements.
• India declared its nuclear capability in 1998, asserting itself as an atomic power during regional conflicts, particularly the Kargil War.

Social Changes

• The Green Revolution initiated in 1965 enhanced food grain production through scientific agriculture and co-operative movements.
• Advances in atomic energy were spearheaded by Dr. Homi Bhabha, while space achievements included the launch of Aryabhatta in 1975.
• Women's empowerment and social reforms were pronounced, with policies addressing dowry, equal remuneration, and women's representation in governance.
• The caste system faced scrutiny, leading to affirmative actions and legal frameworks promoting dignity and opportunities for marginalized communities.

Globalization and Modernization

• Globalization has transformed India's economy, politics, and society, integrating it into global forums like G-20 and BRICS.
• Telecommunications advancements revolutionized communication infrastructure, fostering widespread internet and mobile access.
• India's democratic stability served as a model for governance, influencing lifestyle changes among its youth, including diet, fashion, and cultural perceptions.