Independence Day 2021:
On 15th August 1947, India got its freedom, ending an almost 200-year British rule in the subcontinent. It is a day of immense pride for all Indians as we commemorate the sacrifices made by millions of our freedom fighters, who had sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle and with their unfaltering grit and patriotism, forced the British empire to finally retreat.Also Read – Unbelievable But True! Indian Currency Was Used in Pakistan For One Year After Independence.
History of Independence Day:
The British had ruled over India for almost two centuries, starting from 1757. But the Indian independence movement had gained strength for years, with the demand of poorna swaraj or complete independence from colonial rule echoing in the streets.
The emergence of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose gave power to the freedom struggle. Finally, the British decided to leave India, transferring power back to the country.
Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India, had been given a mandate to finish the transfer of power by June 1948. However, Mountbatten decided that the British would leave early.
The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons on 4 July, 1947 and passed two week later. The Bill declared that British rule of India would end on 15 August 1947. It also led to the establishment of India and Pakistan as independent nations.
Significance of the Tri-colour
Every year, on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at Delhi’s historic old Red Fort monument and makes an address to the nation, which is followed by a military parade. The President of India also then delivers a speech. In honour of the occasion, twenty-one gun shots are fired on this day every year.
The tri-colour flag flies highest in the sky, signifying that we now live in a Swatantra Bharath (Independent India).
The colours of our national flag have a great significance and a profound meaning. Did you know the national flag was adopted in its present form during the meeting of Constituent Assembly held on the 22 July 1947, twenty-three days before India’s Independence on August 15, 1947? Interestingly, the flag is made from khadi which is domestically spun Indian cotton as a symbol of nationalism and freedom.
Kesari (Saffron)
This colour, which is at the top, represents strength and courage of the country.
White
The white colour of our flag indicates honesty, purity, peace of the nation.
Ashoka Chakra
The Ashoka Chakra is rendered in navy blue on a white background replacing the symbol of the charkha of the pre-independence version of the flag. The chakra signifies that there is life in movement and death in stagnation. It has 24 equally spaced stokes.
Green
The green colour at the bottom indicates prosperity, growth and fertility of the land.
Is India Celebrating 74th or 75th Independence Day This Year?
2021-1947= 74
So in this sense, we will be celebrating 74th Independence Day. However, if we begin to consider 15th August 1947 as the first day of independence, then we will celebrate this year as the 75th Independence Day. According to Know India: National Portal of India, India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day in 2021.