In sixty one years, India has achieved many things. Sixty one years back, the only thing present was determination and courage.When India adopted democracy, people were sceptical about its success. Today democracy is the biggest asset of India. Besides having a functional democracy, the idea of democracy has got embedded in the minds of Indians irrespective of the rich or the poor, educated or illiterate. Democratic institutions like Panchayati Raj further strengthen the democratic system in India. Women, lower caste and other marginalized sections of people are brought into decision making process.Still there are still miles to go. Today the nation is at a cross road.

Throughout the sixty years, democracy has never been threatened except during the emergency in the mid seventies. People reacted very strongly against the emergency. It was rejected outright.

Democratic institutions - judiciary, legislative and executive are also well established in India. The Constitution provides the independence of the judiciary, legislative and executive. This has been largely respected in practice also. Lately judicial activism has crossed its limit. In fact the Supreme Court warned the lower courts to exercise restraint. Judiciary ordering the executives to provide proper sanitation facilities in government school is one such example. Whatever the case maybe, this is not a good sign. It seems people are loosing faith in the executives. The courts in India are flooded with public interest litigations (PIL). Too much reliance on judiciary is not good. It will erode the quality of judiciary. There is also the need of the people to understand that the nation has a constraint on the resources. Functions of the executives require a serious reflection in India at 61.

Confrontation between the legislature and judiciary is on the rise. It has never crossed the limit, though. Criminals entering the legislature through muscle and money power are on the rise. Nexus between the criminals and legislature are well highlighted by Vohra Committee report.

Debating in parliament has eroded significantly both in quality and quantity. The national issues have been sidelined and legislatures are mainly concerned with the problems of their region or constituency. Sometimes many legislature act like a leader of one group of people only.

This year budget, members of parliament were ardently expressing their views in media. On the day of discussion, there were only a few members. The finance minister expressed dismay and shock. This is not a healthy trend of democratic system in India at 61.

People still think as an individual bounded by caste loyalty, family loyalty, religion etc. The concept of citizenship provided in the Constitution is yet to get imbibed in the minds of the people.

India is the third largest GDP in terms of PPP (purchasing power parity). It is also among the fastest growing economy in the world. Some are the richest in the world.

More than 21% of the people are living below poverty line, more than 50% of children are mal nourished, millions of children are child labours, and literacy rate is 65 % only. There is a high rate of infant mortality rate, maternal mortality, drop out rate etc. This situation is not only India specific. China also has the problem of poverty, unemployment etc. In fact, inspite of communist regime, China has more disparity between the people than in India. Inequality on the whole is rising in this world.

For the last few years, India has been maintaining a high growth rate. There is question of sustainability of this growth. Economic reform led to the integration of nation's economy with the world economy. Vulnerability of the notion's economy has also increased. India is susceptible to the vagaries of the world economy. Recent sub prime crisis in US has affected the Indian economy. Controlling inflation without compromising the growth rate has been the biggest challenge.

Nation has started talking of inclusive growth after 15 years of reform process. It has benefitted from globalisation. These benefits are confined only to 25% of the country population. This is India at 61.

Our first Prime Minister has noted, "Everything can wait but not agriculture". In practice, agriculture has been asked to wait while the industrial sectors have been given a bug thrust. Again more than 60% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture work. Agriculture growth has been pegged at a measly 2-3%. State of agriculture is reflected by farmer suicides. It will be very difficult to sustain the economic growth without increasing agri growth.

The nation has achieved commendably in information technology, space and nuclear science. The achievement in information technology is restricted to certain areas only. The nation is yet to make its own brand in information technology.

In contemporary world, the developed countries have started recognising India. Many countries think that India can play a more important role in global issues. The nation has to prepare itself to face the challenges. For this, the nation requires innovative mind and a tall leader.

Terrorism is also a big challenge for India. The nation has been facing this problem for the last 30 years. Recent serious of bomb blasts at Bangalore, Ahmedabad reflect the state of affairs. Terrosism is not only confined to India. It is a universal problem. The nation with its long experience should be able to contribute significantly in fighting terrorism.

The nation has moved ahead in almost all spheres. At this juncture, there are many more challenges. The nation cannot stay on what it has achieved. There are miles to go, to achieve an inclusive society, a just and prosperous India.

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