Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
3. In the context of Nehru’s “temples of modern India”, discuss their contribution to India’s growth and development since independence. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, Indians will see this as an occasion to recall Jawaharlal Nehru’s immortal speech, “A Tryst with Destiny”, delivered on the night of August 14, 1947, and its haunting poetic expressions — “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India awakes to life and freedom.” For most, that speech and the man who spoke those words symbolised the spirit of a new nation just born. For them, some of the recent attempts to undermine Nehru’s place in history may seem like a minor distraction.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the “temples of modern India” and their contributions.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by outlining “temples of modern India” as per Nehru.
Body:
First, in detail, mention the rationale behind considering institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), Bhakra-Nangal dam, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the LIC, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation, the National Library of India and the National Institute of Design as temples.
Next, write about the contribution of the above in growth and development of the country and substantiate with facts and examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance of the above.
