76th Independence Day 2022: History, Celebrations & Importance

 

India is decked up in all its glory to celebrate its 76th Independence Day with great pomp and show. Every Indian heart is throbbing with a feeling of patriotism and oneness; and commemorating the freedom fighters who made it possible for the nation and its citizen to breathe air, free from the mighty British rule.

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge… At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom” – these invigorating words by our very first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru fills our heart with an enormous sense of pride. Now the past is history and what is left behind is the grandeur of India’s freedom struggle.

History of Independence Day

Just a mention of this big day seeks to saturate our minds and souls with great self-esteem and patriotic exhilaration. We recognize and appreciate the valiant freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle to make India an independent country.

The Indian freedom struggle was a mass movement that integrated diversified sections of the society. It was also subjected to continuous ideological transformation. As the Indians had resolved to release themselves from the clutches of the British Raj, the firangis were left with no option but to depart from India. But was that as simple as it seemed? Of course not. The British parliament had entrusted Lord Mountbatten with an order to hand over the power to the Indians by 30th June 1948. Observing the level of impatience among the Indians, Mountbatten realized, that if he waited till the assigned date of transfer, there would be no power left to be transferred. All of this made him shift the date of power transfer back to August 1947.

So the Britishers found it demeaning to accept their defeat and give up the power, they ended up camouflaging this truth in a different fashion by saying that they were stopping the bloodbath or riot in the name of freedom struggle. Mountbatten justified this fact by saying, “wherever colonial rule has ended, there has been bloodshed. That is the price you pay.”

The Indian Independence Act was passed on 18th July 1947, in the British House of Commons. On 15th August 1947, India became an independent country, making this day momentous in Indian history.

Celebrations at the Red Fort

Every year Independence Day is celebrated with great vigor and joy at the Red Fort in New Delhi. On the eve of India’s Independence Day, the President of India delivers a heartfelt message to the country, which is broadcast on television. Traditionally, the Indian Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi on the 15th of August, which is accompanied by the formal 21-gun salute and the Prime Minister’s Address. The national song is sung, filling this enormous building—once thought of as a bulwark of power—with music that makes every Indian feel proud.

The Prime Minister then delivers his address, in which he reviews the previous year’s accomplishments and gives guidance on how to reach the next milestone. Martyrs are honored for their contributions to the liberation struggle. A march past conducted by the Armed Services is held, followed by a parade represented by paramilitary forces. Pageantry is exhibited in a heartbreaking exhibition that is emblematic of India’s struggle for freedom, telling us of how hard our freedom fighters endured to obtain independence. Later, cultural programs emphasizing India’s cultural richness and historical lineage will be held.

Similar events are held in all state capitals around the country. The different state Chief Ministers raise the national flag and deliver speeches. Following this, there will be a parade and cultural festivities.

Indian Independence Day is commemorated with fervor and patriotism throughout the country. The day begins with the unfurling of the national flag, which is accompanied by a speech and participation in artistic events at various schools and universities, residential colonies, and cultural institutes. Patriotic songs such as “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana” are sung to begin every musical performance or program.

What’s so special about the 76th Independence Day?

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav formally began on March 12, 2021, around 75 weeks before the 15th of August, 2022, with PM Modi unveiling the curtain-raiser festivities from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. The festivities will go until August 15, 2023.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Themes

The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has five themes:

Freedom Struggle:

  • The theme will assist us to bring to life experiences of unsung heroes whose efforts have brought freedom a reality. Birsa Munda Jayanti, Netaji’s Proclamation of Provisional Administration of Free India, Shaheed Diwas, and other events fall under this topic.

Concepts@75:

  • The theme focuses on programs and events inspired by ideas and principles that helped build the country and will guide us as we approach the Amrit Kaal period.

Resolve@75:

  • This subject focuses on our joint commitment and desire to determine the fate of our homeland. The road to 2047 demands every one of us to step up and contribute our role as people, groups, civil society, governance institutions, and so on.

Actions@75:

The topic emphasizes all efforts being made to assist India in assuming its due place in the new international order developing in a post-covid era.

In addition to this, During the Mann Ki Baat radio address last month, the Prime Minister invited people to hang the national flag at their homes as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga program. He also requested people to use the Indian national flag as their profile photo on social media between August 2 and 15.

On Aug 2nd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed his profile image on Twitter and Facebook to an image of the national flag recently as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ effort to commemorate India’s 75th year of independence.

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