Independence Day

The Independence Day of India is observed on 15th August every year to commemorate the liberation of India from the British. It marks the celebrations of independence and pays tributes to those who martyred in achieving freedom for India.

India obtained independence from the British on 15th August 1947 after a prolonged struggle for nearly a century. Though direct struggle lasted for a century, the discontent among the Indians against the British – sprung much before that with the arrival of East India Company. The discontent reached its zenith in 1857, manifested as “Sepoy Mutiny”. The English company witnessed the first major revolt in 1857 where some historians termed it as “First war of Independence”.

Though English had succeeded in the suppression of the 1857 revolt, it failed in removing the seeds of nationalism that were sown in the hearts of Indians. 

The 1857 revolt sprouted the efforts for getting freedom and intensified after the arrival of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. 

Gandhi became the front runner and led the Indian independence movement in a new path called the “non-violence” route. And some other leaders have chosen revolutionary methods to emancipate the motherland from British manacles. The other leaders who have chosen a revolutionary path were no less committed than Gandhi. Eventually, the efforts of all freedom fighters were paid off on 15th August 1947. 

Since 1947, on 15th of every August, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort in New Delhi and delivers the speech. The speech follows a military parade showcasing India’s military strength.

Did you know?

The countries like Bahrain, Congo, Liechtenstein, North Korea and South Korea also celebrate Independence Day on 15th August.