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.

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.