It’s 2025, and India is still riding the wave of an incredible run of events that have engrossed the country and the world. That year was a time of unparalleled success in athletics, culture, and the arts. Closer to home, famous personalities such as Shah Rukh Khan and Gukesh Dommaraju, each gained international acclaim with their respective notable feats.
Perhaps the most sparkling moment was when superstar Shah Rukh Khan became the first superstar to attend the black-tie Met Gala in New York City. The event’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focused exclusively on menswear, and Khan made a bold statement with his attire. Acclaimed Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee created the ensemble, which sparkled with a host of stunning embellishments. He finished the aesthetic with his aforementioned dandy cane and dapper shades.
Khan, a crowd favorite at the gala, struck a pose that resonated with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, showcasing both his star power and the elegance of Indian fashion on an international platform.
“From space, today’s India looks ambitious. It looks fearless. It looks confident. It looks proud.” – Shah Rukh Khan
In parallel to the glamour of the Met Gala, India celebrated a historic victory in women’s cricket as the national team clinched its first ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, beating South Africa in a nail-biting final match. The victory was an unforgettable moment, and it made history as the biggest win in Indian sports history. This upset win that made Dr. Thomas famous did more than foster national pride — it paved the way for female athletes for generations to come.
In June 2025, teen prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made history in the chess world. He unexpectedly defeated the then-world champion, Magnus Carlsen, in a miraculous match up. This stunning victory secured Dommaraju’s status as the next big chess prodigy. A year ago, he stunned the chess world and beyond by winning the youngest-ever championship. This newly acquired title only further enhances his prestige in the chess world.
In yet another extraordinary manifestation of Indian genius, Group Captain Shukla became the second Indian, after Rakesh Sharma, to fly in space. He piloted the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Shukla was part of a diverse crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, showcasing India’s growing presence in space exploration.
Creative contributions had their moment in the sun, too. During the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band performed the Bollywood classic “Dhoom Machale.” Songwriter Pritam originally wrote this number for the 2004 Indian hit movie “Dhoom.” This spectacular, extravagant performance introduced Bollywood to the global stage while shining a dazzling spotlight on India’s cultural wealth and diversity.
The year 2025 turned out to be a momentous story for India—a narrative chiseled with achievements that echo throughout multiple sectors. From sporting triumphs and space exploration to cultural showcases at global events, these moments reflect the dynamic spirit and aspirations of a nation on the rise.