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As India celebrates its 60 years as a democratic country, Faarah Mehta speaks to three of the country's leading lights, and asks how they think the country has progressed, and where it is now heading.
SHABANA AZMI
Actress, ex-Rajya Sabha Member, winner of five National Awards, winner of the Rajiv Gandhi award for social activism, recipient of the Padma Shri and active social activist.
"Wherever you go, India is now the toast of the town, along with China. Globalisation has ensured that those in India who are young, talented and ambitious are welcome all over the world.
"Many say that economic growth will iron out India's many differences and would hence bring the underprivileged as well as the minorities into the so-called mainstream. But the economy is not the only cure. It must be ensured that the poor are not deprived of their rights, whether they be Dalits of any religion or religious minorities.
"India lives in several centuries simultaneously and encapsulates all the contradictions that come from being a multi religious, multi cultural, multi-lingual society. We are the first country to have a woman Prime Minister and women in the corporate sector. On the other hand, it is sad that female feticide is still being practiced.
"Until India's women become empowered enough to walk shoulder to shoulder with their men, we cannot say that progress has happened. Today, all over the world, progress is not being measured by the GDP of the country but by its human development - this is indicative of the access to health, education and the degrees to which their women are empowered. This is still to be achieved. We have travelled and we need to travel some more. On the whole though, I am very hopeful about India's future. There is no better time or chance in its free life than now, to prosper."
HEMA MALINI
Star of the film industry over two decades, filmmaker, exponent of Bharatnatyam, Kuchhipudi, Mohiniattam, Odissi and dance ballet, and now a BJP Member of Parliament.
"As a nation, we have done a lot of great work over the last 10 years. Prior to that, I would say we were trying to settle down properly.
"Sixty years of independence has given the Indian woman an equal status to men in all walks of life. India is shining all over the world and they are looking up to us with respect. The CFO of Pepsi, the ICICI VP and our very own female Congress President, aside from Sonia Gandhi and the rest of the MP's - Gandhiji's teachings are resonating across the globe.
"Even our films are becoming so popular all over the world. Today, if I land at Frankfurt or Switzerland airport, they recognise even me. I would say our film fraternity has made a great contribution to the world.
"Our Indian art is also huge - with paintings costing in the billions - MF Hussein, Satish Gujral and Anjoli Ela Menon - just to name a few.
"We are going ahead at jet speed but we need to instill value and culture in our younger generations. In some ways, we may be moving too quickly in a few dimensions but are not moving at all in others. After 50 years, we should not have too much disparity in progression and regression in separate fields."
MILIND DEORA
One of India's youngest Members of Parliament. His father, Murli Deora, is one of the older members of the Lok Sabha (lower house) from the South Mumbai constituency and held various posts in the state of Maharashtra.
Economically and politically
"We've done a lot - economically, yet there are concerns in the social arena - religious and caste based tensions still exist creating social divisions - we are still not rid of things that existed six decades ago - while the economic situation still looks positive - but this is the area we have to improve upon".
Context of the world
"We have always been on the world radar. Today, every country wants to be associated with India - be it economically or politically - we have been the largest, most diverse democracy and have yet been able to run an efficient system - of course, like anywhere, there are areas of improvement needed to set us on the right path.
Common history with Pakistan
"Pakistan and India have a common history - but we have to chart out different futures for ourselves. Today India has evolved into a major power - the arena we are playing in today is much larger than that of the subcontinent."
Women
"Everyday efforts are being made to empower women. After many decades we have a central government ministry (Union Government) dedicated to preventing discrimination and empowering the girl child. We will do better in this arena. Not only have we had a lady Indian Prime Minister, but the Congress has had a lady as its President and today, the president is also a lady. This is something even developed countries have not achieved."
Secularism
"Secularism in India is still a concern - and we are working toward having it bridged rather than widened. Efforts to bring about affirmative action to ensure that there is a level playing field for all are on - eventually we want to create a system of meritocracy."
Art and Culture
"Art and culture - is what takes place in the villages - that is what needs to be resurrected and globalised. Indian artists selling their paintings in the world at exorbitant rates is not necessarily an indicator of positive movement in the sphere of arts - it has to be broad based and at the grassroots."