[10:32 PM, 8/31/2024] Seema Singh: The day on which India attained legislative sovereignty through an act passed by the parliament of United Kingdom, is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. The Indian Independence Act passed by the Parliament of United Kingdom on 15th August 1947, transferred all the legislative powers to the Indian Constituent Assembly, which was constituted to write the Constitution of India. It was an outcome of a long battle applying the principles of non violence and civil disobedience, against the suppressions of British Empire.

History of Independence Day

Sometimes during the 17th Century British came to India showing trading interests in the sub continent. They were amazed by the prosperity of kingdoms and rich topography of the sub continent. Slowly they started making foothold into the nation by increasing trading activities. Here, came to the fore “East India Company” which was supposed to be a trading company reporting to its board of directors in London; nevertheless, eyeing the unlimited wealth opportunities that the subcontinent offered, East India Company, forcefully occupied powers of the government and judiciary. This period of Indian history from 1757 to 1858 is termed as the “Company Rule”.

Things went on the same until the rebellion of 1857, when the rule of East India Company in India was transferred to Queen Victoria through Government of India Act 1857. This Act established the British Crown as the ultimate ruler of India.

In the following decades, civil societies and political parties in India gradually became strong, demanding self rule or Swaraj. A long battle of non violence and non cooperation ensued, finally resulting in India achieving independence on 15th August 1947.

Importance of Independence Day

Independence was gained after nearly two centuries of subjugation under, firstly, the East India company and secondly the British Crown. It was a period of unethical suppression and tremendous exploitation of our resources at the hands of Britishers.

Kingdoms were forcefully occupied, kings were dethroned and punished for no apparent reason, farmers and small traders were made vulnerable by imposing new tax laws. The whole nation had felt the pain of subjugation, for every moment under the Crown. It was therefore a big achievement and a reason to celebrate when independence was finally gained on 15th August 1947.

The significance of the day is defined by the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and other countrymen, in the struggle for independence. Millions of Indians have lost their lives in the freedom fight. The day reminds us to commemorate those who have sacrificed their all to make us breathe in freedom.

Independence Day also reminds us that we were able to break free from shackles of British Empire, because we fought against it, united. People from different religions, caste, financial background, culture, fought together diminishing their demographic differences. Therefore, the day reminds us to stay united as it the key to stay safe and independent.

Role of Women in India’s Independence

Women played a crucial role in India’s struggle for freedom. They bravely faced the challenges and made significant contributions to the nation’s independence movement.

Leadership Roles: Prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Sucheta Kriplani led various campaigns and protests against British rule.
Civil Disobedience: Women actively participated in the Salt March and other civil disobedience movements initiated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Bravery Acts: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Matangini Hazra are celebrated for their direct confrontations with the British.
Promotion of Swadeshi: Women were at the forefront of promoting the use of Indian-made goods, rejecting British products.
Social Reforms: Alongside the freedom struggle, women leaders also pushed for social reforms, advocating for women’s rights and empowerment.
Jails & Sacrifices: Many women, like Kasturba Gandhi and Durgabai Deshmukh, endured imprisonment and made personal sacrifices for the country’s freedom.
Freedom Fighters Efforts in Independence Day

India’s journey to independence was marked by the valiant efforts of numerous freedom fighters. These leaders dedicated their lives to the cause, shaping the nation’s destiny.

Mahatma Gandhi: Often called the ‘Father of the Nation’, Gandhi advocated non-violence and civil disobedience. His Dandi March and Quit India Movement were pivotal in challenging British rule.
Jawaharlal Nehru: As the first Prime Minister of independent India, Nehru was crucial in shaping the nation’s modern identity. His charismatic leadership rallied masses for freedom.
Subhas Chandra Bose: With his famous slogan “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”, Bose led the Indian National Army against the British.
Bhagat Singh: A symbol of youth resistance, Singh’s acts of defiance, like the Parliament bomb incident, made him an icon of the struggle.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: Symbolizing women’s role in the freedom fight, she led her army against the British during the 1857 revolt.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Known as the ‘Iron Man of India’, Patel played a vital role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Apart from being India’s first President, Prasad actively participated in the freedom struggle, contributing to constitutional processes.
These leaders, among many others, lit the torch of freedom, leading India towards its long-sought independence.

Independence Day Celebrations

Independence Day of India is celebrated as a National Festival in India. People belonging to different religion, caste and culture celebrate the day together, infused with the feelings of nationalism and patriotism. The festive fervor could well be seen on the streets, offices, schools, colleges, houses, throughout the nation. The air reverberates with patriotic songs and national anthem. Fluttering tricolor of various shapes and sizes is a common sight on the day.