This document provides an overview of India, including its history, culture, and achievements. It notes that India has a 5000 year old civilization, over 1 billion people, and is the largest democracy in the world. It highlights several important figures and inventions that originated in India, such as Mahatma Gandhi, yoga, and the number zero. The document also briefly describes several major religious sites and cultural celebrations in India.

1. Welcomes you to the IndianThemeNight

2. 15th August , 1947 Indian Independence 26th January , 1950 Republic- India

3. The saffron stands for courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation. The white, is meant for purity and truth. The green is for faith and fertility. The navy blue wheel denotes the continuity of the nation's progress which is deemed to be as boundless as the blue sky and as fathomless as the deep blue sea.

4. 5,000 year old civilization 325 languages spoken – 1,652 dialects 18 official languages 29 states, 5 union territories 3.28 million sq. kilometers - Area 7,516 kilometers - Coastline 1,210,193,422 people in 2011 (1.21 billion)

5. Parliamentary form of Government Secular democratic constitution Worlds largest democracy since 55 years 4th largest economy The four religions born in India - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are followed by 25% of the world's population. Indian Railways ,the biggest employer in the world.

6. The name INDIA derived from river Indus, India never invaded any country in her last 10000 years of history Chess was invented in India. The 'Place Value System' and the 'Decimal System' were developed in India in 100 B.C. Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus also originated in India.

7. The Taj Mahal (“crown palace”) was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan(1592-1666) for his beloved wife Mumtaz(1593-1631). Alexander the Great of Macedon (356-323 B.C.) was one of the first important figures to bring India into contact with the West. Largest English speaking nation in the world . About 9 out of 10 diamond stones sold anywhere in the world, pass through India.

8. The Encyclopaedia Britannica says: “If there is a country on earth which can justly claim the honour of having been the cradle of the Human race or at least the scene of primitive civilization, the successive developments of which carried into all parts of the ancient world and even beyond, the blessings of knowledge which is the second life of man, that country is assuredly India.”

9. India is home to many famous religions and cultures in the world. Various religions like Hinduism apart from Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism started in India. With 80% of India's population, Hinduism is the most dominant religions in India. Islam is the second most dominant religion in the country with 13% Muslim population. Sikhs and Christians are also present in the country but in a very small number. Hindu religion is present in almost every nook and corner of the country. Sikh community has a stronghold in the state of Punjab with more than 60% of Sikh population. Despite of all these, the people of India celebrates every festival with equal devotion. The annual Kumbh Mela witnesses million of Hindus gathering from around the world. People of India present a unique way of life by celebrating each festival and holiday with great religious dedication. Cherrapunji Wettest place on earth

10. Christopher Columbus was attracted to India's wealth and was looking for a route to India, but he landed and discovered the American continent. On April, 1498 Vasco da Gama reached the western coast of India and the quest for Europeans to reach India was fulfilled. The art of Navigation was born in the river Sindh 6000 years ago. The word ‘Navigation’ is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from Sanskrit 'Nou'.

12. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta.

13. Aryabhatta was the first to explain spherical shape, size ,diameter, rotation and correct speed of Earth in 499 AD.

15. National Animal - Tiger National Bird - Peacock National Flower - Lotus

16. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) Gandhi was once asked what he thought about Western Civilization. His response was: "I think it would be a good idea.” "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.“ “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” “The only devils in this world are those running around inside our own hearts, and that is where all our battles should be fought.” “If all Christians acted like Christ, the whole world would be Christian.” “Woman, I hold, is the personification of self-sacrifice, but unfortunately today she does not realize what tremendous advantage she has over man.” “Indians, will stagger humanity without shedding a drop of blood.” “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

17. Great Indian Personalities Mahatma Gandhi Father of the nation Mother Theresa-a who dedicated her body and soul for the sick people, especially for those affected by leprosy Swami Vivekananda a Philosopher

18. Jawaharlal Nehru-first Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi-the first and the only lady Prime Minister of India till date A.P.J. Abdul Kalam- An atomic engineer –a non-political- Ex-President of India

19. ViswanathanAnand- Indian Chess Grandmaster and Undisputed World Chess Champion A.R. Rahman- “The Man of Music”- who is with a long list of awards received including ‘Two Oscar awards’ recently for his achievement in the field of music MukeshAmbani & Anil Ambani-Business Magnets ,India’s/World’s richest person Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar- One of the best batsmen in Cricket, holding the records for the most cumulative runs in One-Day Internationals

20. Narain Karthikeyan-Achiever in Formula one car race in International levels Sania Mirza created history in tennis by becoming the first ever Indian to break into the top 50 WTA rankings. Aishwarya Rai Former Miss World JRD Tata- who developed steel industry and various other industries in India

21. Tirumala– TirupatiWorld’s richest temple

22. Saint Thomas Cathedral Statue of Virgin Mary brought from Portugal in 1543

23. The Golden Temple

24. Jamma Masjid The biggest mosque in India

25. Gateway of India

26. Holy : The festival of colours Diwali: The festival of lights Pongal: The Harvest festival Onam : The festival of delight

27. Mysore Palace Illuminated by 97,000 light bulbs

28. Buddha Statue ,Largest monolithic statue in Asia

29. The Taj Mahal

30. Calcutta – City of joy

31. India is,the cradle of the human race,the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history,the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition.Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only. -Mark Twain We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made. -Albert Einstein

32. Be Proud of Being an Indian Jai Hind -