Sports, science, art, and more — India has left her mark on many fields over the course of her history. And to spark these revolutions, it often took just one person to lead the way. 

From the first female engineer to the linguist who gave the world novels to remember her by, these stalwarts have shaped the country into a region of prosperity, inspiration, and growth, knowingly and unknowingly creating a nation that others have looked on to for decades. 

Here’s recalling 10 such Indians who paved the way for generations: 

1. A stalwart in cricket 

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Recalled in history as the man who led India to her first Test win in cricket, Vijay Hazare came from the town of Sangli in Maharashtra and made his Ranji Trophy debut in the year 1934-35. He left his mark on Indian cricket when he scored an unbeaten 316 for Maharashtra against Pune in 1939–40.⁠⁠

History celebrates Hazare for his captaincy during the first test match ever won by India. Along with this feat, he is also credited for being the man who led the country to continue the sport even in the turmoil of World War II. 

2. A ray of hope for cancer patients 

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At the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai, Dr V. Shanta was a usual sight, tending to cancer patients with care and compassion. Inspired by Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy, the first woman medical graduate in the country, Dr Shanta studied medicine and was motivated to specialise in cancer. 

From a budding oncologist to a cancer crusader and chairperson of the Adyar Cancer Institute, Dr Shanta came a long way. She believed that a lack of awareness and a sense of complacency borne out........

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