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72 Years of Independence: Watershed Moments That Shaped India

Read about the key political events that have shaped modern India. 

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As we celebrate 72 years of Indian Independence, it’s a good time to look back at the events and times that shaped our nation since 15 August 1947.

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3:41 PM , 08 Aug

1979 – A Nobel for a Mother

Sister of Mercy Mother Teresa’s undying kindness and compassion for the downtrodden, the displaced and the diseased in India is recognised as she is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

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3:41 PM , 08 Aug

1983 – Kapil's Devils Conquer the World

Seen as underdogs going into the tournament with no hopes of clearing the league matches, the Kapil Dev-led Indian cricket team triumphs against all odds, including wagers of 100-1 in favour of the Windies in the finals of the cricket World Cup.

3:41 PM , 08 Aug

1984 – Golden Temple Under Seige

In 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi signs the order to launch a military offensive to smoke out Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s militants who had unleashed terror on Punjab and taken refuge in the Golden Temple.

For five days, the Indian army pounds the holy Sikh shrine with heavy artillery, tanks and helicopters. This is Operation Bluestar.

3:41 PM , 08 Aug

1984 – The Assassination of Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi is assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards on 31 October 1984, following which her son, Rajiv, takes over. Gandhi is assassinated just a few months after Operation Blue Star.

A pogrom continues across Delhi and the adjoining areas for three days. There is looting, destruction of property, and killing.

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Published: 08 Aug 2018, 3:41 PM IST
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