Independence Day in India celebrated on August 15th signifies the day India gained freedom from the 200 year old British rule. On the midnight of 15th August 1947 the British Rulers handed the country back to the Indian leaders; it was on this historic day the tricolour was hoisted by India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at Delhi's monumental Red Fort and read to the nation his famous speech called "Tryst with Destiny". This day is very important in Indian history as it signifies the re-birth of India moving towards a brand new future.
In 1946, the Labour Party, the exchequer of Britain considered ending their rule over India as they had exhausted most of their capital after World War 2. Early in 1947 the British Government announced that they intended to transfer power to India by June 1948, but this upcoming independence did not decrease the intense Hindu-Muslim riots taking place in Punjab and Bengal. It were these violent riots that prompted Lord Mountbatten, the then Viceroy of India, to prepone the handing over of power; owing to the fact that the unprepared British army could not deal with the growing violence in the country.
In June 1947 prominent Indian leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Abul Kalam Azad, Master Tara Singh and B.R Ambedkar decided on a partition of India along religious lines. India was to be the area marked for Hindus and Sikhs and the newly formed country of Pakistan was to be the area of Muslims. 1947 saw millions of people trudge across this newly formed border and the loss of around 500,000 lives.
"A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new…India discovers herself again." - J.L.Nehru
On the eve of India’s independence, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru famous speech “Tryst with Destiny” marked the beginning of a free India with words symbolizing hope and triumph.
India got its independence from the clutches of British rule on 15th August 1947. It was this day when India’s tricolor flag was unfolded by Pandit Nehru on the barricades of the Red Fort at Delhi. Each and every patriotic soul watched with excitement and paid tribute to thousands of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.
The Independence Day of India is a moment of delight and grandeur but to achieve it the nation had to put up a long battle for over two centuries against the British Empire. At last on 3rd June 1947, the last British Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten of Burma, declared the separation of the British Empire in India into India and Pakistan. The announcement was made under the terms of the Indian Independence Act 1947.
Significance of Independence Day
The significance of the Independence Day in the existence of a nation is of greater value. The day is much more than merely celebrating the anniversary of India’s free statehood. On this day India attained a major part of Asian subcontinent’s 562 extensively spread territories besides British owned states.
15th August 1947 symbolizes the victory of Indian patriotism which the nation got after uncertain yet brutal struggle from the repression of the British colonialism. The British, who oppressed India for centuries had primarily arrived to initiate business but steadily captured the entire government of the nation. They educated the Indians and in the process generated enthusiasts who weren’t hesitant in helping them expanding their regime.
Men and women from all over India joined hands and fought for India’s freedom. Many were acclaimed while others contribution went unnoticed. However, praise wasn’t what they desired for. It was the dream of free and autonomous India which motivated them to walk the path of struggle unselfishly. Neither did they battle for their region nor for their natives, but for India and Indians.
At the time of growing communal and caste conflicts, it becomes significant to remind us that the people who laid the foundation of free India has always dreamt of an integrated nation. Hence, it is our duty to live and sustain their dreams, the sole reason for which Independence Day in India is observed.
It is a day to pay a mark of respect to our saviors because of whom we are breathing an air of freedom which does not have the elements of exploitation and repression.
Independence Day celebrations in India
Independence Day is considered as a national holiday in India. The arrangement begins a month before the D-day and the roads are embellished with ribbons and Indian flags.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies are executed all over India by state governments. However, the chief event is conducted in the capital city of India, New Delhi where the Prime Minister of India unfurls the tricolor at the barricades of Red Fort which receives a salutation of 21 guns, and addresses the nation with his speech.
The Prime Minister’s speech holds major importance as it pays tribute to the great souls who sacrificed their lives for nation’s independence and reveals the achievements of the nation during the past year beside discussing significant issues and proposing steps for further growth.
A vibrant parade exhibiting India’s cultural multiplicity, emblematic portrayals of the nation’s developments in science and technology, a collaborative parade of India’s armed competencies by the three forces and patriotic skits and dramas by school children are an integral part of the Independence Day festivities.
During his famous speech at the Red Fort Pandit Nehru said.
