'1957: Key Events

• The first Communist ministry is formed in Kerala, led by E. M. S. Namboodiripad.

• Food prices increase by 50% since 1955, forcing the government to import wheat commercially from Australia and to accept aid under the controversial PL 480 agreement with the USA.

• The Indian Navy purchases the British aircraft carrier Hercules.

• All-India Radio starts its ‘light entertainment’ Vividh Bharati channel, later becoming its commercial channel, emphasising film-based entertainment.

• Jagte Raho wins first prize in Karlovy Vary and Aparajito in Venice; Kabuliwala receives a special mention for music in Berlin.

• Mother India is released.

• Pardesi is the first Indo-Soviet co-production.

• Raw stock is declared an essential commodity and its import is centrally controlled. Dealers are forced to declare their stocks.

• The Cinematograph Bill, intended to start a national film board, production bureau and film institute, is withdrawn.

• Chidananda Das Gupta, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and others start the Indian Film Quarterly.