In a year marked by significant achievements and memorable events, India has once again showcased its talent and cultural richness on both national and international stages. Perhaps the biggest name to fall in a year filled with underdogs was Indian teen prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju stunning world chess number one Magnus Carlsen in May. This remarkable feat happened during Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This hard-fought victory further cemented Dommaraju’s status as a political rising star. It energized a movement to confront cheating that spread across the internet, particularly after Carlsen’s furious reaction to the loss.
Gukesh Dommaraju of India, who became the youngest world champion crowned last year. He’s still blowing away the chess world with his child genius. So far, his biggest impact has been to cast the spotlight on the new generation of incredible chess players emerging from India after his recent victory against Carlsen. That night on social media, the match was a huge moment. That’s why people couldn’t stop talking about Carlsen’s emotional response, and why it generated new discussions and interest in the growing sport.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned heads by walking his first Met Gala in 2025. This was another feather in the cap of his storied and impressive career. The event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” prominently featured menswear, allowing Khan to shine on the red carpet in an outfit designed by renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. His presence served to introduce Indian fashion to the world. It kicked off a movement among fans, as they rushed to replicate his legendary interactions with the event in various locales.
The Royal Family were greeted by the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, who gave a colourful performance. It was Indian culture that trumped them all though, at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. The band, dressed in traditional Scottish regalia, played a mix of Indian and Scottish tunes, including the popular song “Dhoom Machale.” Pritam first wrote this song for the 2004 smash hit Dhoom. It went on to become a viral Internet sensation on Indian social media, where audiences embraced its colorful cultural fusion.
In the area of human spaceflight, Group Captain Shukla became the second Indian to fly to space, along with Raja Chari, during the SpaceX Crew-3 mission. He was commander of the fourth Axiom mission, Ax-4, which lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shukla’s journey represents a significant milestone for India in the field of aerospace and inspires future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
Adding to India’s sporting achievements, the country celebrated its first Women’s World Cup victory in cricket, triumphing over South Africa. This historic win has sparked a wave of national pride. It raises awareness of the growing participation of women in sports, encouraging young girls throughout the country to become active in competitive athletics.
As India reflects on these remarkable accomplishments and cultural moments from 2025, Shah Rukh Khan encapsulated the spirit of the nation with his words:
“From space, today’s India looks ambitious. It looks fearless. It looks confident. It looks proud.” – Shah Rukh Khan
