On this day 66 years ago, India became fully independent as the result of its struggle to throw of the yoke of imperialism surfaced.



The early days were traumatic as this geographical entity was divided into two and the birth of both India and Pakistan gave rise to bloodshed, pitting the new neighbors against each other.



Its charismatic leader and Father of the Nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was soon assassinated by an extremist and the euphoria of independence was clouded by this heinous act.



The country plodded on with small steps and the Congress party that won independence ruled.



The people of India expected and wanted to be among the leading nations and not as a nation of Pirs and Fakirs as some of the colonialists had earlier described India.



They worked hard and tried to surmount the problems that a country of the magnitude of India faced.



Relations with neighbors were not rosy, wars erupted, and internal communal fighting blotted the country’s image both within and abroad.



However the Indian people were resolute in their quest to raise the stature of their country.



A Constitution that was clear and definite, a judiciary that did not kowtow with the ruling party and above all a fiercely independent and free press saw to it that people’s will shall remain foremost.



Today India, like its neighbor, faces problems of over population, agricultural and power inadequacies, pollution and a host of other lesser problems.



But the people of India have decided that they will do all within their grasp to come up with solutions to treat these problems.



Again, here they used the ballot and with the help of a vigilant media lit up the road to a brighter future. It’s a long road but with a resolve and determination they will get there.



We truly wish them success. A peaceful progressive subcontinent will be a boon to all countries in the region. We wish all Indians a happy Independence Day.



Jai Hind.



Khaled Almaeena

Editor-in-Chief