Mihir Sen: On September 23, 1958, he swims the English Channel, the first Asian to do so. Later, he swims everything including Palk Strait, but dies neglected as an invalid in 1997.
M.A.K. Pataudi: Captain at 21, he brings a new glamour and class to Indian cricket.
Ameen Sayani: Launched in the 50s, his Binaca Geetmala on Radio Ceylon charms a generation.
Gayatri Devi: In 1962, the princess bags 77 per cent votes in Jaipur, a record margin. Her looks and lineage keep her in the news for decades.
K. Kamaraj: He initiates the cunning Kamaraj Planin 1963. It calls upon senior Congressmen to relinquish government positions and devote themselves to organisational work. It is meant to serve a dual purpose: purge Nehrus detractors and infuse new blood into the party.
Rita Faria: The first Indian to win the Miss World crown in66, she resumes medical practice in Paris, and fades away.
Milkha Singh: At the 60 Rome Olympics, he breaks the world record, but misses the 400-m bronze by 0.1 second. No Indian has equalled his timing of 45.6 sec to this day.
