I wasn't alive when India gained its independence in 1947. But my grandfather was. I always think of a photo of him (below, just to the left of the flag, in a dark suit, bright white shirt and tie) making a speech at a company event raising the Indian flag. You can't see the flag very well in this old black-and-white photo. But it's striking, with its bands of saffron, white, and green that symbolize strength and courage; peace and truth; fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.

Independence augured a new day for the country that had been my family's home since 1820. But there was a lot of uncertainty for the future.

On August 15, India celebrates its 76th birthday.  Since independence, the country has progressed in so many ways.

• India is the largest democracy in the world. Of its 912 million eligible voters, 69 percent are registered to vote, and 67 percent voted in the 2019 elections.  
• India is the fifth largest economy in the world, after the US, China, Japan, and Germany. The founding socialist-inspired economic model gave way to economic liberalization in 1991, leading to tremendous growth and globalization.  
• India is a major player in the information technology (IT) sector, outsourcing and software development. Initiatives like Digital India ensure that government services are available electronically by increasing Internet connectivity and technological empowerment.  
• India has just sent a mission to the moon, part of its homegrown space program. The robotic lander and rover aboard Chandrayaan-3 are scheduled to land on the moon August 23 or 24. If it is successful, no other country besides China will have accomplished that feat in this century.  
• India’s infrastructure has improved. The total length of its highways has jumped from 15,000 miles in 1947 to 145,000 today.  
• India has made significant efforts towards environmental awareness by recycling, greening its cities, and reducing trash and pollution. Several states and cities have taken steps to ban or restrict single-use plastics, and stricter emissions standards have been implemented.
• India is working to reduce poverty and homelessness through programs that provide rural employment opportunities, social security measures, affordable housing, and homeless shelters, and that improve access to basic services like education, healthcare, and clean drinking water.
• Women's empowerment and gender equality are improving. There's still a long way to go, but progress is heartening in areas from education and healthcare to legal rights, employment, and political participation. Read what a difference one person can make!
  

Celebrate India with us! We are offering $100 off our tours (per person), if you register and reserve your seat by August 15.

We have just a few seats left for out upcoming November and February tours. Don't miss out on this unforgettable tour that offers unparalleled experiences of India's diversity, a remarkable mix of sacred and secular. However you look at it--on a personal, historical, cultural, or religious level--India is a monumental place to explore. It is beyond stereotypes.

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