15 August Independence Day
15 August 1947 is a day marked in the golden history of India. This is the day when India got independence from 200 years of British rule. It was a hard and long non-violent struggle in which many freedom fighters and great men sacrificed their lives for our beloved motherland.
Independence day is like the birthday of our country. We celebrate 15 August every year as Independence Day. It is celebrated as a national holiday all over the country. It is called red letter day in the history of our country.
History of Independence Day:
India became independent on this day in 1947. We achieved independence from British rule after a hard and non-violent struggle.
On this day at midnight, our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort for the first time. It marked the end of 200 years old British rule in India. Now we breathe the air in a free and sovereign nation.
On this special occasion, the people of India remember the selfless sacrifice and unparalleled contribution of great men and women to achieve India’s independence.
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel, and Gopabandhu Das are paid reverent tributes all over the country.
Activities on Independence Day:
Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. People hold meetings, hoist the tricolor flag and sing the national anthem.
There is great enthusiasm in everyone. This day is celebrated with great pomp in the national capital Delhi. All the leaders and common people gather in large numbers at the Parade Ground in front of the Red Fort.
There is tremendous activity everywhere. They line the roads leading to the fort and eagerly await the arrival of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister comes and unfurls the flag and delivers a speech that focuses on the achievements of the government during the past year, mentions issues that still need to be addressed, and calls for further development efforts.
Foreign dignitaries are also invited on the occasion. Tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who laid down their lives during the struggle. Indian National Anthem – Jana Gana Mana is sung.
The parade is followed by speeches by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. Similar programs are held in all the state capitals, in which the chief ministers of the respective states hoist the national flag.
Independence Day is celebrated with great respect in all government and private institutions, schools, and colleges. Students participate in the parade, singing the national anthem before unfurling the national flag.
Some historic buildings are specially decorated with lights reflecting the freedom theme. Special programs like planting trees are done on this day.
The young mind is imbued with patriotism and nationalist sentiments. To celebrate the occasion, sports and cultural competitions are organized and prizes are awarded to the winners. Sweets are distributed to all. Patriotic songs can be heard on every street corner.
Another interesting feature of the festival is the kite flying event which is organized with great enthusiasm all over the country. On this day the sky is filled with kites of different colours, sizes.
Even television channels and radio programs are accused of patriotism. The channels telecast films and documentaries on patriotic themes to inform people and children about the various incidents of our freedom struggle and to inspire love for our motherland.
Newspapers also carry special editions and cite inspirational stories and excerpts from the lives of great men from the great books written on them.
Importance of Independence Day:
Independence Day is an important day in the life of every Indian. Year after year, it reminds us of our great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives and fought to free our motherland from British rule.
It reminds us of the great paradigms that were the foundation of the dream of a free India, envisioned and realized by the founding fathers. It also reminds us that our ancestors have done their share of duty and now it is in our hands that how we can make the future of our country.
He has played his part and played it really well. The nation now looks up to us as to how we perform our share. On this day the air of patriotism and national unity blows across the country.