Independence Day
This article focuses on summarising Independence Day in India. Who? What? Where? When and How? Bear in mind that this day coincides with the partition of India, however this won’t be discussed here.
Independence Day happened on 15th August 1947 when the Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, raised the Indian flag above the Lahori Gate in Delhi, celebrating the nation’s independence from United Kingdom. They kept this independence following the Independence Movement which was consisted of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
After the First War of Independence of 1857, the Government of India Act 1858 allowed United Kingdom to have direct control of India. This led to non-violent movements of non-cooperation by the Indians and civil disobedience for decades (especially after World War I). During the 1930s the reform was gradually legislated by the British as the Indian National Congress Party won victories in the resulting elections. The political tension rose in the next decade due to the Indian participation in World War II, the Congress’ final push for non-cooperation and the belief of Muslim nationalism led by the All-India Muslim League. To avoid further troubles, Independence was announced in 1947.
Before Independence Day, the Congress party called on people to pledge themselves to civil disobedience. This was seen as some sort of independence day in itself and repetitive actions like these sparked a nationalistic fervour among Indian citizens forcing the British government to consider giving independence.
In 1946, the labour government was tired after WW2 and realised it didn’t have the international or support from the domestic people to control a restless India. Therefore, on 20th February 1947, Clement Attlee (the prime minister) announced that British government would grant full self-governance to British India.
On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the “Address to Nation” and hoists the Indian Flag and twenty-one gun shots are fired. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement and the national anthem is sung. The flag hoisting takes place in governmental and non-governmental institutions throughout the country as well as some kite-flying and adorning their clothing, wristbands, cars and household accessories with replicas of the tri-colour.
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By Eeshan Gangwani