This year, India can proudly say it has survived half a century as a democratic nation by celebrating its golden anniversary.

In honor of 50 years of independence, the India Students Association of Iowa State and the India Cultural Association of Central Iowa will celebrate with a program this Saturday.

Under the theme “Fifty years of Independent India: Democracy and Culture in Balance,” the program will include a presentation by Harpal Bal, professor emeritus in the College of Veterinary Medicine at ISU.

Bal, who was a witness to India’s independence in August 1947, came to the United States in 1960.

J.C. Sharma, consul general of India at the Indian Consulate in Chicago, will also be speaking, along with Joseph Elder, professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sharma is active in promoting relations between the United States and India, and Elder is an expert on India and South Asia.

Following the speakers will be a performance of classical Indian dance by graduate student Srinivasau Gayathri from Ohio State University.

India achieved its independence from British Colonial rule in 1947 through nonviolent means headed by Mahatma Gandhi.

In addition, the nation’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was a strong believer in democratic traditions, which helped maintain freedom from outside rule.

Despite enormous problems with poverty, illiteracy and lack of housing, hygiene and water, India has made significant progress in the past 50 years.

With a population of nearly 1 billion, India currently is the world’s largest democracy.

The nation is diverse, with more than 15 languages and all the major religions of the world.

Saturday’s commemorative program will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in Lush Auditorium, 125 Kildee Hall.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is funded in part by the Government of the Student Body, the Lectures Committee and the India Cultural Association of Central Iowa.