India’s year of resilience: A 2024 roundup of triumphs amid turmoil

India’s 2024 was not without its shadows, but the year was also defined by extraordinary achievements — both on the global stage and within its borders. Below is a reflection on the moments that gave the nation pride, hope, and a sense of collective strength.

ISRO’s Stellar Start: Launch of XPoSat

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) opened the year with a bold stride into the unknown. On January 1, ISRO successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), a mission dedicated to understanding cosmic phenomena through the polarisation of X-rays. Developed in collaboration with Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute, the satellite’s goal is to study pulsars, black holes, and active galactic nuclei, unraveling the mysteries of the universe. This launch symbolised India’s continued ambitions in space exploration and research.

The country’s space program also soared throughout the year, as ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3 mission — launched a year earlier — unveiled critical discoveries regarding the Moon’s surface. New findings suggested that a liquid magma ocean once existed on the lunar surface, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in space science.

Furthermore, ISRO’s Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, completed its first successful orbit in July. Stationed at a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 aims to study the Sun’s radiation, heat, and magnetic fields — a monumental step in India’s scientific pursuits.

75th Republic Day: A Celebration of Women’s Power

India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2024 were significant not just for their scale, but also for the historic participation of a 144-person tri-service women’s contingent. For the first time, women soldiers, sailors, and airwomen from all branches of the Indian Armed Forces marched together in a display of strength, resilience, and unity. Their participation reflected India’s growing recognition of women’s vital role in the nation’s defense and society.

The theme of this year’s Republic Day, “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Loktantra Ki Matruka” (Mother of Democracy), set the tone for the celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron was invited as the chief guest, underscoring the strengthening ties between India and France. The event also coincided with the Bharat Parv festival, a five-day celebration of India’s diverse culture, further emphasizing the nation’s commitment to unity in diversity.

Triumphs of Diplomacy: The Return of Indian Navy Veterans

In a diplomatic win, India celebrated the return of eight Indian Navy veterans in February, who had been detained in Qatar on charges of espionage. Their release after years of imprisonment marked a major victory for Indian diplomacy. Captain Navtej Gill, one of the veterans, was honored with the President’s Gold Star Medal for his excellence. Their repatriation not only highlighted the success of India’s foreign policy but also brought immense joy to their families and the nation, emphasizing the power of persistence and international cooperation.

A Sporting Year of Glory

2024 was a banner year for Indian sport, with victories that echoed far beyond the stadiums.

One of the most memorable moments was India’s performance at the T20 World Cup, where the national cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, claimed its second title. Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, India defeated South Africa by seven runs in a nail-biting final. The victory was bittersweet, as it marked the end of Virat Kohli’s T20I career. Despite the sadness of his retirement, the celebratory mood in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium as the team paraded through the streets was nothing short of electric. It was a spectacle of fans, music, and dancing that made the triumph even more special.

The year also saw India’s athletes excel at the Paralympics. In a moment of pride, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympic Games, breaking her own record in the process. Other standouts included Navdeep Singh, whose javelin throw brought the crowd to its feet, and the young archer Sheetal Devi, who not only broke a world record but also won a silver medal.

A Historic Election: Jammu and Kashmir’s Return to Democracy

In a milestone for India’s democratic journey, Jammu and Kashmir held its first Legislative Assembly elections in a decade. The elections, which followed the region’s reorganization into a Union Territory in 2019, saw a remarkable voter turnout of 63.88%, a number reminiscent of the pre-2019 election days. The successful completion of these elections, despite challenges, symbolised a new chapter for the region, offering hope for peace and stability in an area that has long been troubled by conflict.

Conservation Victory: The One-Horned Rhino’s Return

In the field of conservation, India made significant strides with the release of its first one-horned rhinoceros in four decades. Raghu, the rhino, was released into the forests of Dudhwa National Park as part of an ambitious conservation effort. This moment was not only a win for environmentalists but also for the people of India, highlighting the country’s commitment to preserving its unique wildlife. The success of the release prompted the establishment of a second Rhino Rehabilitation Area, ensuring that India’s endangered species continue to thrive.

A Chess Master: Gukesh’s FIDE World Championship Victory

One of the most remarkable sporting achievements of the year came from Chennai’s 18-year-old chess prodigy, Gukesh Dommaraju. In a stunning display of skill and maturity, Gukesh triumphed at the FIDE World Chess Championship, beating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling final. This victory made Gukesh the youngest-ever FIDE World Champion, a title previously held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he claimed the crown. Gukesh’s win put India firmly on the global chess map, following in the footsteps of legends like Vishwanathan Anand.

Remembering Raj Kapoor: 100 Years of Bollywood’s Iconic Filmmaker

December 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Raj Kapoor, one of the most influential figures in the history of Indian cinema. Kapoor’s legacy continues to resonate across generations, and his films remain timeless. On this occasion, India hosted the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, showcasing his classics such as Teesri Kasam and Jagte Raho. The Kapoor family also commemorated the occasion with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending an invite to the film festival, further solidifying Kapoor’s stature as a cultural icon whose influence transcends borders.

The Asian Hockey Championship: India’s Fifth Victory

One of the most significant moments of the year was India’s triumph in the 2024 Asian Hockey Championship, securing the title for the fifth time. The victory was a powerful reminder of the country’s deep-rooted connection to the sport and its growing dominance in international hockey. Despite stiff competition, India’s men’s team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, showcased exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork, defeating China in the final. This victory, a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, was a bright spot in a year that demanded resilience and unity.

A Year of Hope and Unity

While 2024 has certainly been a year marked by moments of pain, it has also been one of remarkable achievement and hope. From space exploration to sporting triumphs, and diplomatic victories to environmental successes, India’s resilience has been on full display. As the year ends, these stories of triumph — whether in the realm of science, sport, or culture — serve as a testament to the country’s unbreakable spirit, and a reminder that even in the most challenging times, hope can still shine through.