'1958: Key Events

• The first phase of the Bhakra Nangal dam, the showpiece of Nehru’s government, is completed.

• The dramatic deterioration in India’s foreign exchange reserves, increased spending on imported arms and the need to double the envisaged foodgrain imports, force the government to adopt a radical development strategy emphasising agrarian reform, land ceilings and (following the Chinese model) the organisation of co-operatives.

• The Indian Copyright Act comes into force.

• Hindi playwright Mohan Rakesh writes his Ashad Ka Ek Din.

• The first documentary film festival is held in Bombay. Ajantrik is shown in Cannes, out of competition. D. N. Sampat, founder of the Kohinoor Studio, dies.