- By Iram Hussain
- Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Independence Day marks a momentous victory for Indians over British colonial rule. The event commemorates the end of the British East India Company which ruled India for over 200 years and remembers the struggles and sacrifices of great freedom fighters who fought to make the country independent from the shackles of the British empire. The day is celebrated with great vigour and zeal, representing the feeling of a true patriot followed by the flag hoisting and huge celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi.
India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru played an instrumental role in the nation's journey and announced India's independence on August 15, 1947. Let’s know some interesting facts about this historic day that every Indian must know-
The country will celebrate its 78th Independence Say, marking 77 years of Independence (Image:Canva)
Interesting Facts About Independence Day:
1. The last viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten selected the date of independence i.e. August 15 to mark the end of British control in India. Another reason to choose this day was that it marks the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
2. India’s national anthem "Jana Gana Mana," written by Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize Winner was not sung on its first independence. The song was adopted as the national anthem on January 24, 1950.
3. On August 16, 1947, Jawahar Lal Nehru delivered the first speech of Independence in the absence of Mahatma Gandhi as he was in Calcutta, making peace between the communities.
4. India gained independence at the stroke of midnight due to astrological reasons. The celebration of Independence was attended by Jawahar Lal Nehru with other prominent figures like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at the parliament.
5. Five nations which include India, South Korea, North Korea, Bahrain and Liechtenstein also gained their Independence on August 15, 1947.
The flag hoisting is one of the main events of Independence Day at the Red Fort. The national flag of India, represented by tricolour is a symbol of identity. Each hue in the tricolour holds a significant importance, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and strength. Saffron stands for courage and strength, white indicates truth and peace while green represents growth and fertility. The Ashok chakra, also known as Dharma Chakra at the centre with 24 spokes symbolizes progress, righteousness and eternal values. The Prime Minister of India is honoured to hoist the flag on Independence Day. Let’s look at some interesting facts about the tricolour which will leave you amazed-
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Interesting Facts About Tricolour:
1. The first Indian National flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at the Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park) in Kolkata with the three main colours red, yellow and green.
2. The original edition of the national anthem ‘Jan Gan Man’ by Rabindranath Tagore was composed in Bengali as Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhat.
3. India’s National Flag is made up of Khadi, as proposed by the law. Karnataka’s Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha is the only legal unit to manufacture and supply the flag of India.
4. The top strip of the flag has Saffron which symbolizes strength and sacrifice. The middle strip is white which indicates peach, truth and unity. Also, the Ashoka Chakra which is the wheel of law at the centre with 24 sokes in the hue of navy blue represents constant movement and progress. The last strip is green which stands for peace, faith and fertility.
5. The tricolour serves as a symbol of India’s identity and holds deep values with each colour.
