The civil disobedience movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8th August 1942, was also known as August Kranti or Bharat Chhodh Andolan. The movement was called with the demand for independence from the shackles of British rule in India. The slogan that emerged during the Quit India Movement was “Quit India” or ” Bharat Chodo”. The simple yet powerful phrase encapsulated the fervent desire of the Indian people to see an independent India. Let us get to know more about what was the slogan of the Quit India Movement.
The Significance of the Slogan
The slogan” Quit India” or “Bharat Chodo” along with ”Do or Die” were given by Mahatma Gandhi in a speech that he delivered from Gowalia Tank Maidan after the Bombay Session of the All-India Congress Committee. In his speech, he encouraged the masses with words like –
“Here is a mantra, a short one that I give you. You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours give expression to it. The mantra is: ‘Do or Die’. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
The lines fueled the spirit of resistance and resilience among the masses, leading to widespread unrest and demonstrations that eventually put pressure on the British government to consider granting independence to India. It inspired acts of civil disobedience, protests and strikes that paralyzed the British administration and challenged their authority.
The slogan “Quit India” or “Do or Die” became the rallying cry for millions of Indians who were eager to break free from colonial oppression and chart their own destiny. It galvanized people from all walks of life to join the freedom struggle and stand united against British imperialism.