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Tuesday 3 September 2013

Independence Day in India "15th of Aug 1947"

"At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new...India discovers herself again." - Jawaharlal Nehru

After more than two hundred years of British rule, India finally won back its freedom on 15th August, 1947. All the patriotic hearts rejoiced at seeing India becoming a sovereign nation and the triumph of hundreds and thousands of martyred souls. It was a birth of a new nation and a new beginning. The only fact that marred the happiness of the fruits by the blood of martyrs was the fact that the country was divided into India and Pakistan and the violent communal riots took away a number of lives. It was on the eve of 15th of August, 1947 that India tricolor flag was unfurled by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on the ramparts the Red Fort, Delhi.

History
In 1947, after the World War II, Britain could see that it no longer could hold its power over India. It was becoming increasingly difficult and Indian freedom fighters were in no mood to give up. With the international support also coming to an end, Britain decided to relive India from their power but not before June 1948. However, the impending independence more so enhanced the violence between Hindus and Muslims in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. The communal violence grew so large that it became impossible for new viceroy Lord Mountbatten to control it and as such, he advanced the date for the transfer of power, allowing less than six months for a mutually agreed plan for independence. Thus, India gained its independence on August 15, 1947 but not without paying a heavy price. Partition was done and a separate state for the Muslims was formed, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah being sworn in as Pakistan's first Governor General in Karachi. On the midnight of August 15, 1947 India was sworn in as an independent country with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the prime minister and viceroy then as Lord Mountbatten. The official ceremony took place in Delhi. Great leaders and freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Abul Kalam Azad Jinnah, B. R. Ambedkar and Master Tara Singh are few of the many to whom India owes its freedom.

Celebrations
The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world's biggest democracy as a national holiday. All the schools and colleges across nation hoist the national flag on the rooftops and the buildings to symbolize the stature of the national flag as nation's pride. Not only the educational institutions but also offices and business areas celebrate this day. Since it is declared a national holiday by the government of India, all the institutions, government or otherwise, have holiday. People only go to offices to attend the flag hoisting ceremony. The Prime Minister addresses the Nation after the flag has been unfurled recounting the country's achievements of the year, discussing current major issues and future plans for the progress of the country. Kite-flying has also become a tradition on this day and people can be seen flying numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the freedom.

Independence Day is celebrated throughout India and every corner of the country on 15th August every year. Independence Day is celebrated by every citizen of India irrespective of caste, creed and religion. It is amazing to see how apart from the normal government offices and educational institutions the day is celebrated even in small colonies and associations. There are costume parties and people, old or young, men or women, dress up in a nationalistic way. There are many documentaries aired and grave of martyrs are paid respect. Every citizen does something or the other to mark this day of freedom. Media is not far behind as most of the channels telecast latest or classic films based on the independence theme. Also, there are patriotic programs that are organized and broadcasted. In short, every person in the country revels in the nationalistic pride.
15th of August 1947 is an important day for all Indians. On that day Indians got freedom from the British. The Union Jack was brought down and for the first time, our National Flag, flew over the Red Fort, Delhi. Achieving independence was not easy. It was achieved by great efforts made by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Tanguturi Prakasam, C. Rajagopalachari and many others.

Many youngmen like Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Alluri Seetharama Raju and Katta Bomman scarified their lives for the cause of freedom. It was an occasion of jubilation for the entire nation. On 15th of August, 1947 people throughout the country celebrated the day in a festive fervor. Throughout the country, houses, offices, streets, temples and all important places were decorated and illuminated. Patriotic songs were on the air throughout the day. Young and old danced in the streets, enjoying the newly won freedom. Sweets were distributed everywhere. We were no longer British subjects but we became free citizens of free India.

Since then, the Independence Day is celebrated every year on 15th August throughout the country. That day is a national holiday for all including workers in shops and factories. Independence Day celebrations are conducted on a set pattern every year. The main function is held at the Red Fort, New Delhi. The Prime Minister takes the ceremonial salute and guard of honour from the three wings of the defence forces. After that he unfurls the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. National Anthem is sung, and a 21 gun-salute is given.

The Prime Minister addresses the nation. Earlier he pays homage to martyrs at various places like 'Unknown Soldier', Rajghat etc. In his address, he explains the policies of the government, what it did and what it proposes to do and wishes all peoples a happy Independence Day.

Similar functions are held at State capitals of every State, where the Chief Minister unfurls the National Flag and the National Anthem is sung. Then the Chief Minister inspects a police parade and addresses a public meeting. At the headquarters of the districts, the district collector unfurls the National Flag, takes the police salute and addresses the gathering. Unfurling the National Flag, singing of National Anthem and addressing the audience take place in schools, colleges, offices and at all other establishments.

Special cultural programmes are arranged for the occasion. 'Kavi Sammelanams' and 'Mushairas' are also organised. In the evening there is a get together at Rashtrapathi Nilayam and at Governors residences to meet the distinguished and eminent persons. Greetings are exchanged on that occasion.

Independence Day is celebrated by Indian embassies all over the world and greetings are exchanged. Heads of Governments of other countries greet the President, Prime Minister and the people of India on that occasion.

It is a happy occasion for school children. Sports and cultural competitions are conducted to mark the occasion and prizes are awarded to the winners. Sweets are distributed to all. 'Freedom is our birthright' said Bala Gangadhar Tilak, the great freedom fighter. They got us the freedom. It is for us to safeguard it by our unity and integrity. It is a day to pay homage to martyrs and stand by the ideals, for which i hey sacrificed their lives.

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