The Republic of India was officially born on January 26, 1950. Exactly six decades ago - the last Governor-General of India, Rajagopalachari, read out a proclamation announcing the birth of the Republic of India. The new flag of India was hoisted for the first time, and India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, was sworn in, replacing the British monarch as the country's head of state. The new President then addressed the crowd.

"Today, for the first time in our long and chequered history," he said, "we find the whole of this vast land... brought together under the jurisdiction of one constitution and one union which takes over responsibility for the welfare of more than 320 million men and women who inhabit it."

Six decades on there are over 1 billion men and women in the country – many among them belong to minority communities. In our past issues we have covered the success stories and achievements of several minority groups including the Jews and Parsis of India. This issue of SALT portrays the achievements of some of the eminent members of the Sikh community – a community that comprises less than 2% of India’s population.

Sikhs have made a great contribution to the economic, cultural and political life in India and elsewhere. Their enduring family values, their belief in hard work, equality, social justice, tolerance and respect for other religions and faiths have enriched and strengthened our society. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Former Chief of Army Staff General JJ Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and India’s most widely read writer – Khushwant Singh – are all national icons and respected internationally.

There are many, many more amongst this industrious community who have excelled in different fields – sports, mountaineering, music, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, hospitality industry, academics, media, art, banking – but it is beyond the scope of the magazine to cover them all.

This is a tribute to one of the most conscientious communities of the nation on the occasion of Republic of India’s 60^th birthday.

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