India celebrates its independence day on the 15 August every year to commemorate the end of more than 200 years of British rule over the country. The day holds great significance as it marks the birth of a new India driven by an indomitable spirit, great courage, and the constant resilience of its people. The day spelled the dawn of a new era of a free and democratic India that was eager to make its mark in the world.
While India gears up to celebrate its 76th Independence Day on 15th August 2023, some people fail to understand the importance of this day. Most such people are either unaware of or undermine the sweat, blood, and sacrifices of countless people that have made this day possible. So, let's take a look at the history and significance of this day and why it should make every Indian feel proud.
Learning about the history of the Independence Day of India is the key to understanding its significance. For that, it is important to understand how and why the British colonized India. During the first half of the 18th century, India was a flourishing economy that was not only self-sufficient but also extremely wealthy and prosperous. It had a thriving export business and was considered a great center of learning, art, culture, and various manufacturing activities.
The British came to India as traders but gradually started to usurp the political and economic control of its various territories. By the end of the 18th century, the East India Company had succeeded in colonizing almost the entire nation. Later, after the revolt of 1857, the control of India was transferred to the British government which continued to exploit the country’s people and its resources.
The constant exploitation and injustice of the Britishers led to the emergence of the Indian freedom struggle aimed at throwing out the foreigners. The struggle was mainly carried out in two ways. The first was by following the peaceful and non-violent policies promoted by Mahatma Gandhi and Indian National Congress. The second was the more violent approach opted for by the revolutionaries such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.
These movements were carried on simultaneously and saw the participation of male and female freedom fighters of India from different backgrounds and age groups. While the revolutionary movement received a major setback after the hanging of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on 31st March 1931, it did not completely die down. Finally, the struggles and sacrifices of the numerous freedom fighters of India bore fruit when India gained independence.
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The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament and came into effect in 1947. The act paved the way for ending the colonization of India latest by 1947, August 15. However, the Independence of India was also accompanied by the country’s painful partition.
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The act recognized the division of the country into two separate independent nations of India and Pakistan, with the latter being founded based on religion. The partition was believed to be the best way to avoid the threat of sectarian civil war looming large in the country with India independence day approaching nearer.
The partition, however, proved to be extremely controversial and led to the displacement of millions of people on either side of the border. This in turn resulted in incidents of mass violence which diminished the joy and fervor of Independence Day quite significantly.
The first India Independence Day celebrations in the country began with the famous, “Tryst with Destiny” speech by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in the Constitution Assembly on the night of 14-15th August 1947. Later, on the morning of 15th August, Pt. Nehru unfurled the Indian National Flag as the first Prime Minister of free India on the Lahori Gate of Lal Quilla in New Delhi. This precedence has been followed by every incumbent to this day and it is followed by an address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Despite having played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle, the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi stayed away from the celebrations. Instead, he observed a fast for 24 hours and addressed a crowd in Calcutta appealing for peace between Hindus and Muslims.
Independence Day is celebrated to pay tribute to the millions of Indians who took part in the biggest Indian national movement that forced the British to withdraw their rule. It is a day to pay tribute to the countless famous freedom fighters as well as numerous other unsung heroes whose sacrifices helped India gain its independence. Any talk or discussion about Independence Day is incomplete without mentioning these heroes. More importantly, working towards fulfilling their vision of a free and independent India restored to its original glory is the best way to celebrate Independence Day.
CREDIT: Wooden Street
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