The Bhakra-Nangal multipurpose river valley project on the Sutlej, Indias first and one of the biggest dams in the world, is flagged off in 1954. Nehru, while inaugurating the completed project, describes it as the "greatest and holiest" of Indias modern shrines.
On January 26, 1950, the Constitution is adopted and India becomes a sovereign democratic republic. Above: The first Republic Day parade on Delhis Rajpath.
From Bandung in 1955 to Belgrade. Nehru, along with Egypts Abdel Nasser and Yugoslavias Marshal Tito (above), become the architects of the Non-Aligned Movement. In the era of the Cold War, NAM goes on to become the great grey middle-ground of global politics.
MILESTONES
1947: The first trucks and cars roll off the assembly line at Premier Automobiles Ltd, set up by the pioneering industrialist Walchand Hirachand with support from Sir Mokshagundam Visweswarya, dewan and architect of Mysore state.
1948: First Austin A40 car assembled by Ashok Motors is delivered.
March 11, 1948: Indias first indigenous steamship, the 8,000-tonne S.S. Jal Usha, is launched from the Vishakapatnam Shipyard.
1948: Progressive Artists Group, formed in 1947, holds its first exhibition in Bombay.
1950: The Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Siyajirao University, Baroda, opens. By the end of the 50s, it becomes the pre-eminent centre of contemporary Indian art.
January 24 to February 1, 1952: Indias first international film festival is held in Bombay.
April 29, 1954: Nehru and Mao sign Panchsheel Treaty following Chinese premier Chou En Lais visit to India.
June 1, 1955: Untouchability (Offences) Act comes into force.
1955: Hindu Marriage Act is amended; bigamy and polygamy are deemed criminal offences.
