Written by: Vaishnavi
“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
– Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Independence is not just the state of freedom. It is a tool that steers one to feel power again. The power to hope again. The power to grow again. The power to celebrate again. The 15th of August, 1947, marks a notable struggle to reclaim this power. It was a struggle so remarkable, that it sparked a sense of patriotism and respect for one’s motherland in every soul that went on to live on the lush lands of this powerful nation.
This story dates back to the 1600s, when the British East Indian Company set foot on the successful Indian Subcontinent as mere spice and textile merchants. With a friendly smile, they were welcomed onto the land of modern-day Surat, Gujrat. Little did the Maharajahs know that their new, convivial company would have other plans. Gradually, the East India Company managed to set up factories, harboring the right over lands to establish produce for trade, all over the country. By the 1800s, they managed to grow just enough to secure governmental power, bringing the most powerful rulers of time, down. India’s impressive economic stature had been demolished, leaving her children hungry and unwanted in their own homes. New laws and customs had come into action, suppressing the rich cultural values that Indians had carried on for centuries. Taxation on Indian goods drained locals of wealth, in turn feeding into the British funds. Wars and resultant deaths had become a norm, and there was no sign of sunlight.
With the country burning down in flames of terror, many stood to fight against the imperialistic rule they were being put through. “Karenge ya marenge”, which translates to “Will do, or will die”, echoed throughout, uniting the unrest Indians to fight against the atrocities they had to endure. Notable nationalists, including Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rani Laxmi Bai, and many more, led significant movements against the British Raj. The Champaran Satyagraha, the Dandi March, and The Non-Cooperation movement are just a few of the long list of riots that went down to revolutionize India’s long struggle for independence from its captors. However, these righteous movements were met with the deaths of millions of innocent civilians, flagging this to be one of the darkest times of Bharat’s days. Nevertheless, none were prepared to give up their motherland to the foreigners. Her freedom was necessary for her prosperous growth, and the sustenance of the generations that succeeded them. Indians fought back, with every breath devoted to winning back their power to live as they pleased. After 89 ceaseless years of battle, on the 15th of August, 1947, India once again embraced the breeze of freedom, as the British stepped down from power and left the country for good.
Today, Indians all around the world unite to celebrate their 78th year of freedom, parading to the world their reason to smile at how far Bharat Mata has come. Every year, the President and Prime Minister of the country address the people, commemorating the day with parades and ceremonies at the Red Fort, New Delhi. These events celebrate India’s story, with impressive technological and military displays flaunting the country’s strengths. Cultural events and activities, such as flag hoisting and patriotic-themed contests, are held in educational institutions all around the world, bringing together creative young minds to pay their respects to all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, with at most splendor. Many countries, like the United States, acknowledge the day by reflecting shared principles and giving out warm regards by participating in celebrating its Indian population.
Surprisingly, India’s independence was not limited to being an influential turning point in her history. It went on to inspire other revolutionary movements of freedom all around the world, laying out a blueprint for decolonization. Every day, Indians around the globe strive to make their nation proud and keep exceeding expectations. Jai Hind!