The word ‘Independence’ means the state of being free from outside control. ‘Independence Day’ holds a special place in any country/community’s history. During the 19th and 20th century many country’s declared themselves Independent from their colonial masters.
One such country was India. This country for many years was ruled by the West Asian invaders and had a rich blend of native as well as foreign cultures. This country was a favourite for traders as soon many European Trading Companies established themselves in the coastal areas of India. These companies soon made their own army citing the rivalry between other trading units. At that time their was great infighting among the rulers. Taking advantage of this political instability , the trading companies offered their European soldiers to the princely states. In exchange they acquired some area and supressed the rulers. They signed treaties with the rulers which the rulers were compelled to follow.
One such company was the ‘East India Company’. This British company craftly fought wars at the expense of the allied rulers and brought the whole country under their rule. It was very queer as a company which had come for trade , soon became the ruler of the whole country.
This company ruled according to their benefit as it exploited the Indian economy , society as well as some Religious rights. The farmers were tortured if they failed to give the revenue to the government that was 11/12 to the government whereas the rest 1/12 went to the appointed official. The company made the world hell for these farmers. There was discrimination between the Indians and the Europeans as the highest pay given to an Indian was less than a minimum pay of an European recruit. The judicial system was also biased. This company rule continued till 1857 when the British government took over the reign of the company rule
1857 was an important year as it was in this year that the anger and frustration of the people against the Rule broke out in the form of a revolt that is popularly called ‘The First War of Independence’. Seeing the mass revolt , the British government took over and brought out reforms to pacify the Indians. But this revolt started a chain of events that ended only on August 15,1947.
The revolt that was brutally supressed opened the eyes of the events. Soon massive rallies and protests were held in different parts of the country. The Indian National Congress was formed which became the backbone of the Revolution. Innumerable leaders laid their lives just to free their motherland.
13 April , 1919 gave a new shape to the movement. On this day many people assembled in jallianwala bagh to celebrate baisakhi and peacefully protest against the arrest of two prominent congress leaders. General Dyer along with his soldiers opened fire on the innocent unarmed gathering. More than 2000 were killed and about 1500 were injured. This massacre stunned the whole country. Martial Law was imposed in Punjab. This resulted in widespread discontentment.
Mahatma Gandhi arrived to the movement in 1919. He launched Non-cooperation movement against the British. People channeled their displeasure over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through this movement. During this Period many Revoluntionary parties were established. The Lahore session of the congress in 1929 decided to celebrate Independence day every year on 26 January.
Many leaders called for the attainment of Swaraj i.e. self-governance. Subhash Chandra Bose slogan , “You give me blood , I will give you freedom” inspired thousands. Gandhi ji’s quit India movement gave the final blow to the British in 1945. As the labour party came in Britain , India was granted its freedom on August 15 , 1947. The British divided India into two parts- India and Pakistan according to religion. This move was widely condemned by many leaders. The British during their 200 year rule drained the country’s economic as well as mineral resources. The partition also claimed the life of many individuals.
After taking almost 3 years , India made one of the world’s finest constitution which was enforced on 26 January , 1950 to commemorate the Lahore session decision. India faced big challenges ahead that were to unite the whole country , illiteracy , poverty etc. British gave the right to princely states to join any union. It was Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel , Iron man of India , who united the whole country and annexed the area of Junagadh and Hyderabad. Jawaharlal Nehru was made the first Prime Minister of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad ji became the first President and Sardar Patel the deputy Prime Minister.
India made tremendous progress during this period. It started from the ground zero and today it is shoulder-to-shoulder with the superpowers. India after Independence fought 4 Wars that includes 3 with Pakistan and 1 with China. But this progress has been harmed by frequent terror attacks from across the border.
People every year illuminate their houses with lights to mark this day. The Prime Minister follows the ceremony of hosting the Indian tri-color at Red fort every year followed by an address to the nation. This day people fly kites to celebrate the patriotism with others.On the 73rd Independence day of India-
- Rakshabandhan the holy festival of siblings is on the same date. This has multiplied the celebrations.
- The government will honour the brave hearts involved in the Balakot Air Strikes.
- The Indian flag will be hosted in J&K For the first time.