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The Independence Day of India is celebrated every year on 15 August. It was on this day in 1947 that the country was finally free from the shackles of British colonialism after more than 100 years. In this way, the celebration of Independence Day reminds Indians of the beginning of a new dawn. This day is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm with numerous competitions and activities organised in schools and colleges. In this blog, you will read all about the history, significance, and different ways in which India celebrates a Happy Independence Day. Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Historical Overview of Independence Day
The inception of British rule in India can be traced back to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, where the East India Company triumphed over the last Nawab of Bengal. Subsequently, the Revolt of 1857 or the First War of Independence occurred in 1857. However, it was unsuccessful in overthrowing British rule and attaining freedom.
In 1885, the Indian National Congress, India’s first political party, was established. After World War I in 1918, Indian activists began advocating for self-rule, known as ‘Swaraj.’ In 1929, during an assembly in Lahore, the Indian National Congress proclaimed ‘Purna Swaraj’ or the complete independence of India.
Following a series of negotiations between the British government and the Indian National Congress, Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of pre-independent India, eventually accepted the proposal.
In 1947, the Indian Independence Act was also passed which eliminated the use of “Emperor of India” as a title for the British Crown. It also instructed on partitioning India and creating a Muslim-majority and Hindu-majority nation.
On 15th August 1947, Lord Mountbatten partitioned British India into two newly independent nations: India and Pakistan. This historic event marked the first India Independence Day in 1947.
Also Read: Partition of India and Pakistan (1947)
What is the Theme of Independence Day in 2024?
The Ministry of Defence spokesperson A. Bharat Bhushan Babu announced the Independence Day theme for 2024 in a post on X. This year, the theme focuses on “Viksit Bharat” or Developed India. It highlights the goal of making India fully developed by the year 2047, the year which will mark the 100th anniversary of India’s independence.
How is Independence Day Celebrated in India?
Here are the different ways in which India celebrates a happy Independence Day:
- On this day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort, located in Delhi.
- The Prime Minister also addresses the nation with a speech which is then broadcasted on national television.
- Schools and colleges conduct Independence Day celebrations marked with cultural performances, speech competitions, and patriotic songs.
- Streets and buildings are decorated using lights according to the colours of India’s national flag.
- Tributes are paid to the freedom fighters of India.
- People exchange sweets with friends, neighbours, and colleagues, spreading the spirit of celebration on India Independence Day.
- Kite flying has become a popular tradition, bringing people of all ages together on rooftops.
Also Read: 10 Lines on Independence Day in English
Significance of Independence Day
As mentioned earlier, the Independence Day of India holds great significance for the people of this country.
- It marks the end of British colonial rule in India, which lasted for more than 100 years.
- The day celebrates the beginning of India as an independent and sovereign nation.
- It reminds us of the Indian freedom struggle which lasted for decades and took the lives of many brave soldiers and freedom fighters.
- The day instil a sense of pride, unity, and nationality among Indians, irrespective of their differences.
- Independence Day of India also encourages Indians to uphold the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Also Read: Speech on Independence Day
Quotes on Independence Day
The quotes provided below offer motivational wisdom on maintaining independence and strength during challenging circumstances. They serve as a reminder that regardless of life’s obstacles, one can persist and continue progressing.
- “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?” – Mahatma Gandhi.
- “Let new India arise out of peasants’ cottage, grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler and sweeper.” – Swami Vivekananda
- “If yet your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland.” – Chandra Shekhar Azad
- “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” – Bal Gangadhar Tilak
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FAQs
A. Independence Day is celebrated by exchanging greetings, distributing sweets, adorning houses with the tricolour and national flag, and engaging in kite flying. Children are told stories about Independence Day and the struggles of freedom fighters to instil a sense of national pride.
A. Independence Day, celebrated on the 15th of August every year, commemorates the end of 190 years of British rule in India. On this day in 1947, India was declared a free country.
A. Independence Day marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947. Republic Day, observed on 26th January, commemorates the day the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, officially making India a republic.
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