Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Indepence day


Introduction : 


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 15thAugust 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.


Independence Day – Background

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.

Significance 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.

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.

Below we will go through details of celebrations in some of the significant locations of the nation.

Celebrations at Delhi


         National capital Delhi is the center for the    most distinguished Independence Day         celebrations. On the evening before       Independence Day, Prime Minister of India   addresses the nation on Tele Vision,     congratulating citizens and remembering the   freedom fighters.

Next day, huge crowd emerged at the Red Fort to witness flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister. Thousands of people from across the country and several dignitaries are present to honor the national flag and to witness the events following it.

Flag hoisting is concurrently followed by the singing of national anthem and then a 21 gun salute in the honour of the Prime Minister. After the gun salute, the Prime Minister once again addresses the nation and remembers the freedom fighters and their struggles.

The speech is followed by a march past by Indian army and other armed forces. Tableaus depicting religious and cultural heritage of various Indian states, also take part in the procession.

        Celebrations in Schools and Offices

Schools, colleges and offices throughout India celebrate Independence Day with almost equal zeal and enthusiasm. Participation of children in the celebrations is more prominent and they seem to be at the centre of all the preparations. Celebrations begin with the head of the institution hoisting the national flag in presence of students and other staff members.

Several competitions, cultural events, plays are organized in schools by the children themselves, as a reminiscence of India’s freedom struggle and also to commemorate the great freedom fighters. Children get dressed up as various freedom fighters and cry famous slogans of Indian struggle – “Inquilab Zindabad”, “Jai Hind”, “Vande Matram” etc. School also distributes sweets among the students and staff members to celebrate the day.

The celebration in offices is also celebrated with the same patriotic zeal; though, with slightly different events. Flag hoisting is compulsory in all government institutions, with mandatory attendance. The flag ceremony is followed by speeches by the staff members, which usually is a commemoration of freedom fighters and reminiscence of the freedom struggle.

People in the streets too are seen greeting each other and buying tricolors to adorn their houses and vehicles. In 2002 Flag code of India was amended to allow private citizens to display the flag, but with certain rules and regulations.

        Activities on Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of our country. Various big and small events are organized in schools, colleges, offices and residential societies to celebrate this day. Here are some of the activities done on Independence Day:

Flag Hoisting: On this day, the Prime Minister of our country hoists the Indian National Flag at Red Fort. This is followed by 21 gun shots in the honour of the occasion. Flag hoisting is done as a part of the Independence Day celebration throughout the country.


Speeches/ Debates/ Quiz: Speeches are delivered as a part of Independence Day celebration in schools, colleges and other places. Debate and quiz competitions are also held in educational institutes. Essay writing and painting competitions are also organized to celebrate this day.


Fancy Dress Competitions: Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small kids are seen dressed up as freedom fighters.


Kite Flying Competition: Kite flying competitions are also held on this day. Numerous colourful kits are seen flying in the sky. This is seen as a mark of freedom.


Sweet Distribution: Sweets are distributed after flag hoisting.


                          Conclusion

Independence Day is celebrated with immense zeal all across our country. People of all ages come forward to celebrate this day. Songs are sung in praise of the freedom fighters as well as our motherland. People are seen dressed up in tri-colour. The sky seems full of kites and there is joy all around.

4 comments:

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