When we got Independence, though we got freedom from British rule, the people of India were hardly empowered.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the only choice for Prime Minister. He ruled till his death.
The Congress was the only party that could come to power. It ruled unbroken for 30 years at the Centre.
The political class virtually controlled industry, agriculture and any other thing you could think of. The license raj was one of great power for politicians and their cronies. The common man could do nothing but watch.
The media was also in the hands of a few proprietors who by and large hobnobbed with the politicians.
In a way you could have called India a sort of benign socialist dictatorship.
The second half of our post-Independence India has been more tumultuous. There has been a gradual and effective road to empowerment.
In Picture: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru launches a dove as a symbol of peace on 18 November 1954, during a huge demonstration held in honour of his 65th anniversary at a New Delhi stadium.
Image: AFP. Any unauthorized reproduction is prohibited
