The Independence Day of India, which is celebrated religiously throughout the country on the 15th of August every year, holds tremendous ground in the list of national days since it reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism for more than 200 years. It was on August 15, 1947, that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the country. India’s gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters who laid down their lives on the line. Read below to discover more about Independence Day in India.
Overview of Independence Day
As a major turning point in its history, India is preparing to celebrate its Independence Day on August 15, 2024. This day marks the nation’s dramatic anniversary of its release from nearly two centuries of British colonial domination. India commemorates its independence from British colonial rule on August 15 of each year, with celebrations held all around the nation. The 77th observance of Independence Day will take place this year, as 2024 approaches.
The President and the Prime Minister address the country and raise the national flag during a celebration staged at Delhi’s Red Fort to commemorate this. There’s a military parade as well. The nation observes August 15 as a national holiday. Institutions and organisations all around the nation fly the national flag and host cultural events in its honour.
About India
India possesses a rich cultural legacy and is among the world’s oldest civilizations, offering a plethora of diversity. Ever since gaining independence, it has had overall socioeconomic growth. With its unique geographical features—the sea and mountains—and ranking as the seventh-largest nation in the world, India stands out from the rest of Asia. Stretching southward and tapering off into the Indian Ocean at the Tropic of Cancer, it is bordered on the north by the Great Himalayas and on the east and west by the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Background of the Independence Day
The Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut in 1857 marked the beginning of India’s independence movement, which gained steam following World War I. The Indian National Congress (INC) and other political organizations began a nationwide independence campaign and uprising against the harsh British rule in the 20th century, spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi.
The long-awaited deal, which put an end to 200 years of British control, was praised as the “noblest act of the British nation” by Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi.
India was regarded as the “Jewel in the Crown” of the British Empire by the 19th century, when Great Britain had established itself as the subcontinent’s leading political force. In both World Wars, the British Indian Army was an essential component. Following years of nonviolent opposition to British rule, spearheaded by Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian independence was finally achieved in 1947. Both before and after the subcontinent was divided into the states of India and Pakistan, there was widespread sectarian bloodshed. Since gaining their independence, the surrounding nations have engaged in three wars, the most recent of which ended in East Pakistan’s separation from Bangladesh in 1971.
When the Indian Congress started the Quit India Movement in 1942, demanding an end to British rule, the colonial rulers were forced to jail a number of campaigners, nationalists, and politicians, including Gandhi.
Religious violence resulted in violent riots, enormous casualties, and the forced relocation of almost 15 million people during India’s 1947 partition.
Mahatma Gandhi said:
“From tomorrow [August 15], we shall be delivered from the bondage of British rule. But from midnight today, India will be partitioned too. While, therefore, tomorrow will be a day of rejoicing, it will be a day of sorrow as well. It will impose a heavy burden of responsibility on us. Let us pray to God that He may give us strength to bear it.””
Independence Day
Every year on August 15, people celebrate Independence Day, which honours India’s 1947 liberation from British domination. Following its independence, India rose to become the largest democracy in the world when the Indian Constituent Assembly was granted legislative authority by the UK Parliament under the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
The anniversary of India’s split into Pakistan and India from a single, united nation is also observed on Independence Day.
In the days preceding Independence Day celebrations, Delhi’s Red Fort becomes the centre of attention. Jawaharlal Nehru spoke from the renowned Red Fort’s ramparts during his well-known “Tryst with Destiny” speech. It has now become customary since then.
Called ‘Lal Quila,’ the Red Fort is a representation of India’s struggle for independence.
On the eve of India’s independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, said in his ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech: “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
History
Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose, and many others were among the notable figures in the Indian freedom movement.
Independence Day serves as a reminder of the numerous hardships and sacrifices made by Indian independence warriors in order to aid in the nation’s liberation from the British Raj and the reasons we should respect this independence. The nation’s sense of patriotism and desire to serve and guide it towards development are also evoked by this day. It also instills in residents a sense of responsibility and solidarity.
Each year, a military parade takes place after the Prime Minister addresses the country and hoists the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort. Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, hoisted the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 1947. Since then, every prime minister has continued that pattern.
Celebration
In India, Independence Day is observed as a national holiday. People observe Independence Day by planning cultural events at their places of employment, schools, and colleges; decking these spaces with tri-colour decorations and ornaments; dressing in tri-colour attire; viewing patriotic films; listening to songs about India’s liberation struggle and history; and more.
On this day, flag-raising rituals and drills are held across the nation, and the national song is sung. Indians want to celebrate their nation and culture by dressing in a certain style. People of all ages participate in another Independence Day tradition: kite flying, which symbolises the independence we gained on this day. Our nation’s prime minister welcomes our flag in the Old Delhi Red Fort. There is also a procession that includes police and army personnel. The PM gives an address to the people in which he highlights the achievements of the nation over the years. He even discusses the future’s objectives.
Significance
The nation observes Independence Day as a national holiday. Especially on this day, we are reminded of the great sacrifices made by our soldiers in order to further the liberation fight and ensure our independence from British rule.
The current Indian national flag was created by Andhra Pradesh educator and freedom warrior Pingali Venkayya. Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister, raised the flag at Delhi’s Lahori Gate of the Red Fort on August 15, 1947.
Three colours make up the current national flag: green for fertility, faith, and prosperity; white for peace and truth; and saffron for strength, courage, and sacrifice. The life cycle is symbolized by the Ashok Chakra in the center.
Provisions of the India Independence Act
● The nation would be split into India and Pakistan, and the British administration would cede all of its authority to the two newly established countries.
● The Radcliff Line was used to separate Pakistan from India.
● Following independence, Lord Mount Batten became the first Governor-General of Independent India, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
Facts
● India has had 76 years of independence.
● The Indus River inspired the name India.
● There have been 14 prime ministers in India, including one female prime minister.
● Only one of India’s thirteen full-time presidents has been a woman.
● Pingli Venkaiah, an Andhra Pradesh farmer and one of the independence fighters, created the design for the Indian national flag.
● Three years after independence, India’s national anthem was adopted.
● Mahatma Gandhi was unable to attend the first Independence Day celebration in Delhi.
● The National Anthem of India
In 1911, Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song that was eventually titled Jan Gan Man: Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata. On January 24, 1950, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian National Anthem.
● An Overview of the Radcliffe Line
Even though the British administration declared India’s division at midnight on August 14, 1947, it required two more days to formally inform the Indian populace of the existence of the Radcliffe line, which Sir Cyril Radcliff had drawn.
The people of Pakistan and India were in disarray as a result of the formal announcement’s delay.
● Observing India’s Independence Day together
Every year on August 15th, South Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein celebrate their respective national holidays on the same day as India.
Key Facts
The National Anthem of India
In 1911, Rabindranath Tagore wrote a song that was eventually titled Jan Gan Man: Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata. On January 24, 1950, the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Indian National Anthem.
An Overview of the Radcliffe Line
Even though the British administration declared India’s division at midnight on August 14, 1947, it required two more days to formally inform the Indian populace of the existence of the Radcliffe line, which Sir Cyril Radcliff had drawn.
The people of Pakistan and India were in disarray as a result of the formal announcement’s delay.
Observing India’s Independence Day together
Every year on August 15th, South Korea, the Democratic People’s Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein celebrate their respective national holidays on the same day as India.
Conclusion
Independence Day is an annual commemoration to celebrate the historic achievement of India to gain freedom from the British Empire. The country became officially freed after years of struggle and sacrifices against British rule. The heroes who contributed to achieving this day—Indian Independence Day—are remembered and celebrated, reliving their courage, faith, and determination towards a free nation. The flagship event of Independence Day is held annually in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag. The day is commemorated across India with parades, cultural events, and flag-hoisting ceremonies.
1. Who chose August 15 as Independence Day?
Louis Mountbatten, the last British governor-general of India, chose August 15 as the Independence Day for the country.
2. How many years did India fight for independence?
It took 200 years for India to receive independence.
3. Why is freedom at midnight?
The Hindu calendar declares that the new day begins at sunrise. To officially usher in the nation’s freedom, the Constituent Assembly met at midnight.
4. What was the Independence Day of India in 1947?
It was on August 15, 1947, that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the country.
5. Who chose Independence Day?
Lord Mountbatten.
According to C. Rajagopalachari, an Indian politician and independence activist, if Lord Mountbatten had waited until June 1948, there would have been no power left to transfer. That is why Mountbatten set the date to August 1947 and transferred all the governing powers.
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