It was on
August 15
, 1947, when India finally received Independence after around 90 years of
British rule
. And today, with the efforts of many
freedom fighters
and revolutionaries, we proudly call ourselves the citizens of India, a country that is proudly ‘Sovereign, Democratic and Republic’.
And 2024 marks India’s 77th anniversary of independence from British rule.
See more: Happy Independence Day 2024: 25 Patriotic quotes and messages by freedom fighters of India that will make you emotional
The history of Indian independence
The struggle for India's independence was a long journey that spanned over a century. The British East India Company first came to India in the early 17th century as mere traders, and slowly they made their way into the land, taking over the resources that belonged to India, and colonised the nation. And then, by the 19th century, the British Crown had taken control of India, making it a direct colony.
After years of oppression, slavery, and abuse, some sects of people rose against the injustices by the British, by the Crown that claimed to benefit all.
And this sect came together as the Indian National Congress (INC). The INC first became a platform for political dialogue, and eventually the leader of India’s fight against the British, for independence, and Swaraj.
But, the real push to the movement came when
Mahatma Gandhi
came to India. It was under his leadership that concepts of non-violent resistance, or ‘Satyagraha’ came to be known. Through the concept of ‘peaceful protest’ Gandhi gave India the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement.
See more: Happy Independence Day 2024: 100+ Wishes, images, messages, quotes, pictures and greeting cards
As World War II weakened British control, the demand for independence became irresistible. The efforts of various freedom fighters, coupled with global geopolitical changes, led the British to finally concede. After a long struggle against the forces, countless discussions, fights, and resistance, the British agreed to free India.
On August 15, 1947, India was declared an independent nation, marking the end of over 200 years of colonial rule.
The importance and significance of the day
Independence Day
marks the day it all became ‘worth it’. The sacrifices, the bloodshed, the struggle, all of it came together to yield results. It is the day that marks the end of British oppression and the birth of a sovereign nation.
And in all honesty, we are all too small to understand the significance of this day as we did not sacrifice our lives or make the call for independence.
Today, Independence Day stands for justice, equality, and the right to self-determination.
See More:Independence Day Cards 2024: Best greeting card images to share with your friends on 15th August 2024
How is it celebrated?
Independence Day is celebrated differently by different ages of people.
On a national level, it starts with the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi. Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the Tiranga, and this is followed by a speech that is his address to the nation. The speech often talks about the achievements of the country in the past year, the challenges ahead, and the plans for the future.
Schools, colleges, and various organisations also hold flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and competitions. Patriotic songs, dances, and skits are performed to honour the heroes of the independence movement and to instil a sense of pride and patriotism in the younger generation.
Parades are conducted in schools and colleges by the NCC Cadets and sweets are distributed among little children along with lessons and stories about the freedom fighters who laid their lives to help build a free India.
See more: Happy Independence Day 2024: Patriotic memes and messages that will make you feel proud to be an Indian
Facts to know about India's Independence Day
Freedom and partition
Along with India's independence, August 15, 1947, is also the day of the partition of India and Pakistan. It is a sad period in history as the partition resulted in the displacement of people and communal violence.
The first speech
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, delivered his famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech on the eve of Independence Day. The famous dialogue was - "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom".
The Tiranga
The Indian national flag, designed by Pingali Venkayya, was adopted in its present form on July 22, 1947. The tricolour is a representation of India's values - saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and truth, and green for faith. The Ashok Chakra in the middle is a symbol of justice.
High alert and security
Given the importance of the day, security is increased across the country, especially in the capital, Delhi, during this time of the year. The Red Fort, where the Prime Minister hoists the flag, is heavily guarded, and airspace is restricted during the ceremony.
The struggle
Although August 15, 1947, marked the end of British rule, the struggle for a united and peaceful nation continued much longer. As the partition and independence came hand in hand, so did violence, communal riots, and loss of lives.
It is said that people who once loved and cherished each other became sworn enemies within a few hours as everything was chaos and life was precious.
The freedom fighters
Independence Day is a combined contribution of many freedom fighters. From Lala Lajpat Rai to Mahatma Gandhi, and from Subhash Chandra Bose to Bhagat Singh, each of these people played an important role in freeing India from the captors.
Be it Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance to Subhas Chandra Bose's more militant approach, different methods were used that resulted in the ultimate Independence.
Women and freedom struggle
Often, the role of women in the freedom struggle is omitted from books and memory. But, one should never forget that from Rani Lakshmibai to Sarojini Naidu, numerous women came to the forefront to free Bharat Mata.
