A Tribute to Freedom and Sacrifice: Marking India’s 78th Independence Day

Today marks India’s 78th Independence Day, commemorating its liberation from British rule on August 15, 1947, after years of struggle and immense sacrifice. Annually, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, a tradition initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who hoisted the national flag above Delhi’s Lahori Gate on that historic day. Post-independence, the British partitioned India on religious lines, leading to the creation of Pakistan. This division sparked violent riots in both countries, resulting in numerous casualties. Subsequently, the Indian Constituent Assembly undertook the task of drafting the nation’s constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a republic. Interestingly, several other nations also celebrate their Independence Day on August 15. Both North and South Korea observe this date, as does Bahrain, which gained freedom from British rule in 1971. Similarly, the Democratic Republic of Congo became fully independent from France on this day in 1960 after 80 years of subjugation. Annually, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, a tradition initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, who hoisted the national flag above Delhi’s Lahori Gate on that historic day. Post-independence, the British partitioned India on religious lines, leading to the creation of Pakistan. This division sparked violent riots in both countries, resulting in numerous casualties. Subsequently, the Indian Constituent Assembly undertook the task of drafting the nation’s constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a republic. Interestingly, several other nations also celebrate their Independence Day on August 15. Both North and South Korea observe this date, as does Bahrain, which gained freedom from British rule in 1971. Similarly, the Democratic Republic of Congo became fully independent from France on this day in 1960 after 80 years of subjugation.