A country that is changing rapidly, yet remains timeless. An economic superpower in the making, many of whose people still live in inhuman poverty.

Battered by natural and man-made disasters in recent years, India has been held together by the goodness of its people in its worst hour.

A symbol of great hope to many, for others it has fallen to the depths of no return.

Yet, in spite of it all, there is a magic about India that never ceases to astonish.

On India's 58th Independence Day, some of the nation's best known young achievers tell rediff.com what being Indian means to them.

Series Editor: Archana Masih