Born in 1957

Mother India hit the screens and became an instant classic — Nargis's performance as a suffering but resilient village woman became the defining image of post-independence India. The film was submitted for the Oscar, beginning India's long love affair with international film recognition. Meanwhile, Nehru was re-elected and the second Five Year Plan was in full swing, prioritising heavy industry.

Steel plants at Bhilai and Rourkela were rising from the earth.