Young Dynamism Mahaakshay Chakraborty, actor
Young Dynamism Mahaakshay Chakraborty, actor
The way the youth today has taken the initiative to form a better country by changing their mindsets, for me is a big achievement in itself. We, as a country, comprise one of the largest youth population, which directly means that we have the largest dynamic manpower. By expanding our horizons we are paving the way forward at lightning speed, towards becoming a superpower.
Women Empowered Sophie Choudry, actress, singer and former VJ I moved here 12 years ago from London and I have seen several changes, but to me there is nothing more important than education and equal opportunities for women! The fact that more women are working, chasing their dreams and getting better jobs is a visible change in the past 10 years. We still have a long, long way to go but gradually women are gaining economic independence which is absolutely crucial for a woman’s self-worth, security and respect. Only if women are given greater opportunities will we become a greater nation.
Tech Tattle Nandish Singh Sandhu, actor and entrepreneur There has been a huge change in terms of people being more aware about laws and their rights over the past few years. All thanks to television, radio and above all else to the Internet. Technology has brought about a tremendous change in the way people see things. It has really played a huge role in this particular development too. And I feel proud to be a citizen of this always growing, always progressing India. Unity and Support Vrushika Mehta, actress and dancer I wouldn’t call this a change but during the recent Chennai flood, Indians showed the world that we’ll stand by each other against all odds, putting aside all differences to fight a disaster. We proved that no matter which religion you follow, at the end of the day we are all Indians and will never forget that. In light of the recent debate over intolerance, instances like these really make me feel happy and proud. Not just the people of Chennai, but everyone who came forward to help rebuild the city again has set an example for everyone. This is exactly what India is all about. I also want to use this opportunity to send out good wishes to our soldiers, risking their lives for our safety so many times. A very happy Republic Day to everyone. Be a proud Indian, always.
Right to Education Nora Fatehi, actress One of the most important developments in the last decade is, for me, the Right to Education bill being approved in 2009. The law came into effect all across India a year later, describing the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between ages 6 and 14 in India. It made education a fundamental right across classes, directed all private schools to reserve 25 percent seats for poor children... there might have been some hitches in implementation but the passing of a landmark rule like this was a giant step forward for the nation’s development and economy in the long run. It is a huge achievement because India became one of 135 countries to make education a fundamental right, and I am extremely proud of this in particular.
Infrastructure Boom Mona Puniani, designer Infrastructural development is one key aspect that reflects the growth of the country and in the last decade, we have witnessed better roads, flyovers, sanitation and hospitals that have helped in making our country look more beautiful. India has also become architecturally more sound with great office buildings and malls. Clean India Atul Khatri, stand-up comedian I am proud that finally, as a nation, we are talking about Swachh Bharat. The focus has shifted towards eliminating open defecation, eradicating manual scavenging and educating clean living to urban and rural people alike.
Mobile Equality Sahil Shah, stand-up comedian In the last one decade, India has witnessed a technological revolution and mobiles play an important role in this advancement. I’m very proud of India’s mobile connectivity and how it has acted as a tool for easy connectivity between people. Sometimes my taxi drivers have better phones than I do! Also, thanks to mobiles we don’t have a caste system because everyone is technologically equal.
Global Recognition Anuritta K Jha, actress India created history recently by becoming the first country to successfully get a spacecraft into the Martian orbit on its maiden attempt. Besides this, we were successful in launching India’s first multi-wavelength Observatory in Space too. The Department of Space has had several path-breaking achievements to its credit recently, that I’m very proud of. I think these are some of the coolest and strongest achievements for our nation. Another great achievement that I think is truly fascinating is from my own field of expertise — cinema. More Indians being recognised internationally has been wonderful.
Self-Definition Salil Acharya, actor, anchor, RJ and VJ I feel India has discovered its voice all over again, over the past decade or so. As we stand today, especially in terms of the younger generation, Indians will no longer settle for what is told to them and what others feel is right. Young India now wants its own identity, created and defined by its own culture and sensibilities.
Polio Eliminated Ruslaan Mumtaz, actor In the last ten years, India has successfully overcome polio, one of the biggest threats to our future generations. It has gone from being a disease which was endemic to being one that has officially been eliminated. I think this is a big feat and is definitely something that has made me feel proud to be an Indian.
