In the ancient land of tradition that is India, 60 years is considered a milestone, a second innings in one’s life -- to employ a contemporary metaphor. In some communities, on the father reaching 60 years of age children perform their parents’ second wedding ceremony, where the marital vows are reaffirmed, since he is believed to have set out on another round of life.

Significantly, India is at such a milestone. It’s been six decades since it got rid of foreign rule, but the journey so far has been far from perfect. Consider for a moment the fate of another nation that became free at the same time, and you will see there’s much to credit India for not going down the same path.

When we embarked on the journey 60 years ago all we knew was the destination and the path to take us there. Navigation was a forgotten art, but we had confidence in the drivers we chose. Once or twice, like with the Emergency in 1975, we may have taken a wrong turn; perhaps we could have done with some speed in the earlier part of our journey, and not have to make up for lost time.

In this time, have we realised our enormous potential -- of manpower, resources, intellect, and heritage - is a question that often torments one, especially when you see that other nations have raced ahead.

But all that is the benefit of hindsight, which is always 20:20.

As we said, 60 is a time for second wind, a second chance at life. So here's to a resurgent India!

Saisuresh Sivaswamy