Every Indian’s heart fills up with pride as we near the month of August. Every year, Independence Day is celebrated on August 15. We get reminded of our incredible nation, its diversity, culture, and the battle our ancestors fought to get us freedom from the British. As kids, Independence Day significance had more to do with the fact that we used to get a holiday from our schools and hoist our national flag on the grounds. But as we grew up, we understood the real meaning of the day. And now as the month of freedom and patriotism is around the corner, we are here to remind you of the significance, history, and importance of Independence Day once again.
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Independence Day History
As proud citizens, we believe that every Indian should be aware of Independence Day history. The British won the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Post that, India was ruled by the authority of the East India Company. Soon after that, The British Crown took control of our nation and by 1858, India was ruled by the Crown. Indians were left with almost no fundamental rights and their livelihood suffered massively. Basically, the laws imposed by the British were exploiting the Indians left, right and centre. After the end of World War I, Indians began a revolutionary war against the unjust authority and rule of the British. A series of non-violent, non-cooperation, and civil disobedience movements began.
The face of these movements was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who led them with principles and ahimsa. The Father of the Nation fought for almost decades with the British government to win independence. Indians did not just fight with the British but also boycotted their goods and services thus starting the Swadesi movement. What started with a Dandi March finally ended with our nation winning its freedom back.
Another aspect of our Independence Day history is that the British government did not have enough resources to rule India. After the end of World War II, they had completely exhausted their capital and ruling a nation that was already in a state of rebellion was not possible.
In early 1947, the British government announced that they would transfer power to the Indians in 1948. However, the victory and promise of independence could not resolve the differences between the Hindu and Muslim communities. In fact, the British army could not control the growing violence between the two communities in Bengal and Punjab. As a result, in June 1947, Indian leaders namely Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, B.R. Ambedkar, Master Tara Singh and Abul Kalam Azad agreed to divide India. That resulted in the partition of our country and the formation of Pakistan.
Millions of people crossed the border and marked the beginning of a new era. The partition was and is still a painful memory for millions of citizens of both nations. It caused the death and loss of livelihood of millions of people who belonged to different communities and religions.
On the midnight of August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru announced India as an independent nation and read his famous speech called Tryst with Destiny for his people. Hence, the Independence Day date falls on August 15 every year. Pandit Nehru said in his speech, “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again.”
Also Read: Independence Day Messages
Independence Day Importance & Significance
Now that you are aware of its history, you must also learn about the Independence Day significance. The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag of India at the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in Delhi every year on August 15. The day reminds us of thousands of freedom fighters who gave their lives and blood to free India from the British.
While the British government announced that they would hand over India’s power to its citizens, they also added a clause. On June 3, 1947, they stated that the Constitution framed by the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1946 would not be applicable to those parts of the country that were not ready to accept the new government. The partition plan was called the ‘Mountbatten Plan’, formed by The Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten. In the end, both the Muslim League and Congress accepted the terms of the partition. Post that, the Indian Independence Act 1947 was enacted and the Constituent Assembly, formed by the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1946 became the Parliament of Indian Dominion.
Every year, we witness the grand celebration of Independence Day with a parade. It is organised by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force at Red Fort. The President of India delivers his speech called the ”Address to the Nation” and then, our Prime Minister hoists the national flag, the tricolour. Along with the President, the Prime Minister also delivers a speech at the Red Fort. After that, several cultural programs begin that are broadcasted on TV as well.
Independence Day celebration is to show our solidarity towards our nation. It also displays the respect we have for the freedom fighters who gave their lives and blood for our Independence. The day also inspires the young blood to serve the country. Hence, Independence Day importance does not just remind us of the past but also impact our future and present. It keeps the spirit of patriotism alive in us.
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Every Indian must know about Independence Day significance. Happy Independence Day folks, Vande Matram!
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