Independence Day 2023- Why is Independence Day Celebrated? 

Independence Day 2023 India:  As the nation observes its 77h anniversary of independence this year, let's explore the history and significance of 15th August.

India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 each year as a national holiday. Independence Day commemorates the establishment of a free and independent India following the end of British rule in 1947. Every Indian is reminded on this day of the commencement of a new era, one that saw them freed from the more than 200-year shackles of British colonialism.

 

 

History of Independence Day

East India Company

Following the British victory at the Battle of Plassey, the English East India Company took over control of the nation in 1757, bringing in the era of British rule in India. Following the Indian Mutiny in 1857–1858, the East India Company dominated India for a century before being replaced by direct British administration. Mahatma Gandhi, who favored a peaceful and nonviolent end to British rule, led the Indian independence movement, which got its start during World War I.

There were numerous uprisings and feelings of anger throughout the country as a result of British control. Since then, India's history has been characterized by a number of retaliations and independence movements that ultimately forced the British colonists out of the nation.

Partition of India

British Prime Minister Clement Atlee declared on February 20, 1947, that British rule in India will end on June 30, 1948, and that the controls would be transferred to capable Indian hands. The Muslim League then asked that the nation be divided as a result of this declaration. 

After that, on June 3, 1947, the British administration proclaimed that any Constitution created by the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1946 would not apply to the parts of the nation that chose not to ratify it. Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India, as a result, proposed the Mountbatten Plan, a partition plan, on the same day, 3 June 1947.

Indian Independence Act

The Muslim League and the Congress both approved of the plan. The 1947 Indian Independence Act's implementation strategy went into force right away. On August 14 and 15, 1947, at midnight, British rule came to an end, and power was transferred to the two newly independent Dominions of India and Pakistan.

Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day is notable because it commemorates the bravery and passion of the people who battled to free their country from British tyranny.

Every year, Prime Ministers raise the flag and address the public from the Red Fort to mark the day as one of pride and honor for the nation. The president of the nation gives a televised "Address to the Nation" the day before Independence Day.

When did India gain Independence?

India gained independence on 15th August 1947 at midnight. 

What was the first Indian Independence day speech?

Our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered a speech on the wake of Independence day that began, “At the stroke of midnight, when the world sleeps, India shall awake to life and freedom.”

Unknown facts related to India Independence Day

• Adoption of the Indian National Anthem happened in 1950.
• In 1906, the Indian flag was hoisted for the first time.
• Rabindranath Tagore composed India's national anthem.
• The Swaraj Flag serves as the inspiration for the Indian tricolor flag.

How is Independence Day celebrated in India?

• We sing the national anthem to celebrate Independence Day every year, and ceremonies to raise the flag are held all around the nation. Drills are also held.
• To respect their nation and culture, people try to dress in regional or national costume.
• People of all ages fly kites as a tradition on Independence Day to represent the independence we attained on that day.
• At the Red Fort in Old Delhi, the prime minister participates in a parade and flag-raising ceremony alongside members of the military and police.
• The prime minister then addresses the nation, detailing some of the government's future goals and highlighting some of the accomplishments made during the previous year.

Who are the popular Freedom fighters of India?

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is the most well-known and renowned Indian figure, and he has been named the "Father of the Nation" for his role in the country's struggle for freedom. The Civil Disobedience Movement, Swaraj, the Dandi March, Swadeshi, Satyagraha, etc. are only a few of Gandhi's well-known movements.

Bhagat Singh

He is a pioneer in the Indian freedom movement, and is revered. He participated in two well-known attacks on British officials and was a strong opponent of British authority in India. He coined the term “Inquilab Zindabad”.

Subhas Chandra Bose

 

Popularly known as Netaji, he was a true nationalist. He supported Gandhi and was moved by him, although he disagreed with the "non-violence" concept. He founded Azad Hind Fauj and coined the catchphrase "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, main Tumhe Aazadi Dunga," which has become well known.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

 

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement.  The three most well-known individuals at that time were Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Vipin Chandra Pal. They were collectively referred to as Lal Bal Pal. Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890 and, along with the other leaders, carried forth the fight for Indian independence.

FAQ’s on Indian Independence Day

 

Why do we celebrate 15 August?

Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 every year to commemorate India’s freedom from British rule in 1947.

In which year did India get her freedom?

India got her freedom in 1947.

Did the partition of India and Pakistan happen on Independence Day?

Indian Independence Day commemorates the division of India and Pakistan. By midnight on August 14–15, 1947, the boundaries between India and Pakistan were to be established, according to the Indian Independence Act, which was adopted by the British Parliament.

How did India seize control from the British?

Mahatma Gandhi organized several peaceful rallies that helped pave the way for India to become free of British domination. Other significant individuals include Jawaharlal Nehru, an adherent of Gandhi and India's first prime minister, and Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan and leader of the All India Muslim League.