There is something wonderfully Indian about reaching 80 and still arguing about whether we are celebrating 79 years or the 80th Independence Day. The answer is simple: India became independent on 15 August 1947, making this year’s celebration the 80th Independence Day, while 79 years have been completed. Numbers apart, 80 is a magnificent milestone. I have therefore tried a slightly unusual birthday exercise. Let us count 80 things India can proudly celebrate and 80 things it must still accomplish. This is not a political scorecard. It is a citizen’s balance sheet, with pride on one side and unfinished work on the other. Glorious Achievements 1-10: Democracy and universal adult franchise; the Constitution; national integration; peaceful transfer of power; an independent judiciary; federal institutions; expansion of education; longer life expectancy; decline in extreme poverty; improved food security. 11-20: The Green Revolution; agricultural self-sufficiency; the White Revolution; a vast dairy network; growth of fisheries; improved irrigation; rural electrification; expansion of roads; railways reaching deeper India; food-grain production on a vastly larger scale. 21-30: IITs and IIMs; AIIMS and medical institutions; scientific research; atomic energy; nuclear capability; the Indian space programme; Aryabhata; Chandrayaan; Mangalyaan; Chandrayaan-3’s historic lunar landing. 31-40: A globally respected IT industry; software exports; a formidable pharmaceutical sector; indigenous vaccines; biotechnology; a flourishing start-up ecosystem; digital public infrastructure; Aadhaar; UPI; near-universal access to banking. 41-50: Mobile connectivity; affordable data; Digital India; FASTag; direct benefit transfers; financial inclusion; rapid expansion of highways; metro rail systems; modern airports; growing renewable-energy capacity. 51-60: A strong armed forces; nuclear deterrence; peacekeeping contributions; disaster-response capability; a vibrant space sector; global diplomatic presence; international sporting achievements; the cricketing triumphs that occasionally make neighbours forget their disagreements; Olympic and Paralympic successes; a growing sporting culture. 61-70: Women’s increasing educational participation; women scientists and entrepreneurs; expansion of self-help groups; legal rights for women; social welfare programmes; reservation-driven inclusion; greater awareness of disability rights; expanding access to sanitation; improved drinking-water access; better housing. 71-80: A thriving film industry; literature in dozens of languages; Indian cuisine conquering global tables; yoga's worldwide reach; preservation of cultural diversity; a huge democratic conversation; entrepreneurial Indians across the world; a youthful population; resilience through wars, disasters and pandemics; and, above all, the remarkable ability of 1.4 billion people to remain recognisably one India. The progress is real. Yet, as every good banker knows, a balance sheet has liabilities too. Unfinished Chapters 1-10: Quality education for every child; foundational literacy; better government schools; teacher training; affordable higher education; employable graduates; vocational skills; research excellence; reduced examination anxiety; equal educational opportunity. 11-20: Malnutrition; maternal health; affordable healthcare; stronger public hospitals; preventive healthcare; mental-health support; geriatric care; healthcare in remote areas; medicine affordability; universal health security. 21-30: Youth unemployment; underemployment; quality jobs; apprenticeships; better labour productivity; stronger manufacturing; support for small businesses; agricultural incomes; farm diversification; rural prosperity. 31-40: Women’s safety; equal pay; greater workforce participation; political representation; freedom from discrimination; childcare support; prevention of child marriage; elimination of manual scavenging; protection of vulnerable communities; genuine social mobility. 41-50: Cleaner air; cleaner rivers; groundwater conservation; waste management; plastic pollution; forest protection; biodiversity; climate resilience; sustainable cities; responsible consumption. 51-60: Safer roads; better public transport; affordable urban housing; planned cities; drainage; pedestrian infrastructure; universal accessibility; dependable power; clean cooking energy; reliable internet everywhere. 61-70: Judicial delays; prison reform; police modernisation; faster dispute resolution; stronger local governments; greater civic participation; transparent public services; reduction of corruption; responsible use of technology; protection of privacy. 71-80: Scientific temper; critical thinking; social harmony; communal amity; dignity of labour; respect for public spaces; civic discipline; responsible digital behaviour; preservation of constitutional values; and, finally, ensuring that prosperity reaches the last person standing at the end of the queue. None of this diminishes our achievement but defines our responsibility. Perhaps that is the beauty of independence. It gave us not a finished house but the keys, the blueprint and the freedom to build. Patriotism is not merely applause for what has been achieved. It is also the courage to admit what remains undone. As I look at the tricolour this Independence Day, I see neither a perfect nation nor a failed one. I see a magnificent work in progress. And perhaps that is the most patriotic description of India at 80: proud of the distance travelled, impatient about the distance remaining, and determined to keep walking. (The writer is a retired banker and author. He can be reached at krs1957@hotmail.com. Views personal.)
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