Independence Day स्वतंत्रता दिवस (15th of August, 2016)

By,
Kumar

Independence Day in India is observed on 15th of August every year and it is a National Holiday commemorating the Nation’s freedom from British Empire on 15th of August, 1947. Independence resulted in partition of India in which the British Empire was divided into India and Pakistan respectively but partition accompanied by violent riots and casualties’ numbers were high, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to violence. Jawaharlal Nehru who became the first Prime Minister of India raised the Indian National Flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. Since then every year on 15th August the Prime Minister of India has hosted the National Flag followed by a speech to all the fellow citizens. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the "Address to the Nation" in which the prime minister highlights the achievements of the previous year’s, raises important issues and concerns and calls for future development needed for betterment of the country. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honor of the solemn occasion. The Flag is hosted along with the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” and the speech is followed by march pass of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces.

Following is the details of the programme for 15th of August, 1947

    Time                    Activity
08.30 AM    Swearing in of the governor general and ministers at Government House
09.40 AM     Procession of ministers to Constituent Assembly
09.50 AM    State Drive to Constituent Assembly
09.55 AM     Royal Salute to Governor General
10.30 AM    Hosting of National Flag at Constituent Assembly
10.35 AM    State Drive to Government House
06.00 PM    Flag Ceremony at India Gate
07.00 PM    Illuminations
07.45 PM    Fire Works Display
08.45 PM     Official Dinner at Government House
10.15 PM    Reception at Government House

Few Events and Movements that were involved in the Independence Act:
1.    Partition of Bengal
2.    Hindu-German Conspiracy
3.    Champaran and kheda
4.    Rowlett Committee
5.    Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
6.    Fourteen Point of Jinnah
7.    Purna Swaraj
8.    Salt March
9.    Gandhi Irwin Pact
10.    Round Table Conferences
11.    Quit India
12.    Bombay Mutiny
13.    Provisional Government of India
14.    Independence Day

A common holiday is observed throughout India with Flag Hoisting ceremonies in schools and Colleges, parades and cultural events across the institutes.  Schools and government offices also distribute sweets to all the individuals with the feeling of Freedom.