Although India is the oldest civilization in the world, it is a fairly young country with its democratic status and independence. 15 August commemorates the nation's independence from the British Raj in 1947. Since then, the day is celebrated with utmost pride and will forever be etched in the hearts of the citizens. Movements such as non-violence and civil disobedience are largely responsible for the culmination of 200 years of British rule. In this journey of 75 years, India has proudly gained the status of “ world’s largest democracy” and has maintained it to date.
Image Source : DD National
Before celebration takes place at The Red Fort, the president addresses the nation on the eve of independence. The celebrations took place this year as well, on a smaller scale but in full spirit. The theme for the 75th year of Independence was 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.The day began with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, paying his tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. After which he arrived at the Red fort where he inspected the Guard of Honor. It is important to note that this ceremony is handled and organised by the Defense Ministry of India. After the Prime Minister hoisted the flag, the national guard saluted him and sung the national anthem. It was for the very first time that flower petals were showered upon the place. It was a beautiful and mesmerising scene with the falling petals and the waving flag.
It was then that the Prime Minister began his speech by paying tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. He also mentioned the new addition of an important day in the pages of history. He declared that from now on 14 August will be observed as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ to pay homage to innocent people who lost their lives during partition.A brief but sound clapping was heard as the Prime Minister urged the present audience to pay their respect and reverence to the winners and participants of the Tokyo Olympics 2021. He also thanked the covid warriors for bravely fighting the second wave of Covid and spoke highly of the vaccine manufacturing in the country. In the end, he announced the “ National Hydrogen Mission” to encourage the usage of green hydrogen in the country.
Image Source : DD National
He emphasised “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas” and gave the message that we can only develop if we follow the set path. He encouraged every citizen to work on either a small or large scale to contribute to India’s growth. He also spoke of the project Make in India and the reach of Indian Markets to foreign countries. He said that the idea is not to stop other countries from selling their products but to mark our position in all the countries so that people buy Indian products with great customer and quality satisfaction. He also spoke greatly of the new educational policies implemented during the last year and the importance of Indian languages in our lives.
Where the gathering at the Red Fort is the talk of the nation, the domestic celebrations are no less. On this day, people fly kites on the top of their roofs. Kite flying is associated with the free spirit of the nation and its people. Indians paint flags as tattoos and wear tricolour clothes to show their love and admiration for the flag. We salute the valour of our brave freedom fighters and will continue to celebrate this day in their remembrance. Jai Hind.
