This Day in History – August 15

• 1947: India Achieved Independence

India achieved its independence on this day of August 15 in 1947 as a free, independent, and sovereign country, thus marking the end of nearly 200 years of British rule.

• 1950: 8.6 Richter scale earthquake in India

On this day in 1950, an 8.6 Richter scale earthquake took place in the Assam-Tibet region and fatalities were approximately 20000 to 30000 people.

• 1950: Formation of the new district in Andhra Pradesh

Srikakulam district was formed in Andhra Pradesh, India on this day in the year 1950 on August 15.

• 1975: The release of Sholay

“Sholay,” an Indian action-adventure film directed by Ramesh Sippy and starring Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan, was released and went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film ever.

• 1461: Louis XI was crowned the King of France 

Louis XI was crowned the King of France at Reims cathedral after the death of his father Charles VII

• 1903: The first match of New Zealand’s black players

New Zealand’s All Blacks played their first Rugby Test Match against Australian players at the Sydney Cricket Ground and New Zealand emerged triumphant in the tournament on August 15, 1903. 

• 1945: Victory over Japan

On this day, the Japanese surrendered, and the end of WWII was declared in Japan.

• 1948: Establishment of South Korea

On this day in 1948, Syngman Rhee announced the establishment of the Republic of Korea which is also known as South Korea.

• 1950: Bahrain Achieved Independence 

On this day of August 15 in the year 1950, Bahrain achieved independence from Britain and finally became a sovereign and independent nation.

• 1979: Release of Apocalypse Now

On August 15, 1979, Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now was released in theatres and became a huge success. Later on, the film was deemed a cult classic.

• 1994: Nelson Mandela honoured with Anne Frank Penning

Anti-apartheid movement activist and South African president, Nelson Mandela was honoured with the Anne Frank penning on August 15, 1994. 

• 2009: Athletics World Championship in Germany

The 12th world Athletics world championship took place in Berlin, Germany.

• 2019: Disney Studios

With “Toy Story 4,” “Avengers: Endgame,” “Captain Marvel,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King,” Disney Studios became the first studio in history to have five films make more than $1 billion apiece in a single year.

• 1964: Melinda Gates

Melinda French Gates is an American philanthropist and a former general manager at Microsoft who has been one of the most powerful women in the world as per Forbes magazine.

• 1972: Benjamin Affleck

Benjamin Géza Affleck is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter who has won two Academy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards for his phenomenal work.

• 1983: Ayan Mukherji 

Ayan Mukherji is an Indian filmmaker who is best known for his superhits and cult classics like Wake up sid (2009) And Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2009).

• 1990: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Shrader Lawrence is an American actress who is the world’s highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016, with her films smashing box office as they grossed over $6 billion worldwide to date.