Independence Day -Remembering the Past, Building the Future.

The tricolour flutters with pride throughout India on August 15th of each year, in government buildings, workplaces, schools, and hearts everywhere. The occasion commemorates the 1947 birth of a free nation, a moment that had been long awaited, fought for, and sacrificed for by generations of Indians. Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is the essence of who we are as a country and a reminder of the bravery, tenacity, and solidarity that changed our motherland’s course.

India has become the largest and most stable democracy in the world during the last 79 years. India has developed from a struggling economy at the outset of independence to the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power and a significant player in trade, innovation, and technology. With significant achievements like the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions garnering international acclaim, we have attained self-reliance in vital industries like space exploration, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. We are positioned to confidently shape the future as well as proudly inherit our past thanks to our dynamic culture, strong institutions, expanding infrastructure, and young workforce.

A Historic Dawn
It was not a typical midnight on August 15, 1947. It marked the end of more than 200 years of colonial control and the victory of innumerable battles, ranging from nonviolent demonstrations to violent uprisings. In his well-known “Tryst with Destiny” speech, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru told the country that India had awakened to life and freedom at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people’s tears of happiness and the unsaid sorrow of those who were unable to witness it were used to paint that dawn.

The unwavering moral force of Mahatma Gandhi, whose nonviolent philosophy inspired millions; the fearless martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, whose sacrifice at just 23 years of age ignited the fire of rebellion among India’s youth; the uncompromising leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose call “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” stirred the hearts of countless patriots; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s iron determination, which later united a fractured India; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s intellectual and spiritual leadership, which stood as a symbol of communal harmony; Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s constitutional vision, which ensured that our hard-won freedom rested on the foundation of equality and justice; and the fearless activism of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, who stood up for the poor and tirelessly worked to awaken political consciousness among the masses, all contributed to this victory. Their disparate methods came together to work toward the same objective: to see India free, independent, and equipped to control its own course. That morning was depicted in art.

The Long Road to Freedom
India gained its independence by making unthinkable sacrifices; it was not a gift. Our fight started with early resistances, such as the First War of Independence in 1857, which was led by heroes like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, Kunwar Singh, Mangal Pandey, and Bahadur Shah Zafar, the final Mughal Emperor, who served as a symbol of unity for rebels nationwide. Even though he was old and weak, Bahadur Shah Zafar gave the rebellion legitimacy and his name, motivating thousands of people to fight against British oppression together.

Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, and innumerable unsung heroes, the journey continued with the organized movements of the 20th century.

From the Quit India Movement to the Dandi March, from the Non-Cooperation Movement to the Civil Disobedience Movement, the freedom struggle witnessed all forms of resistance, including militant, intellectual, and peaceful. Millions were motivated by Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy, and the flames of freedom were maintained by Bose’s fervent patriotism and the sacrifices made by revolutionaries. The toll was high: lakhs perished in demonstrations, jail cells, and on the gallows; thousands were imprisoned, banished, or put to death. Words or numbers cannot express the magnitude of these sacrifices. The blood of those who chose death over a life of chains is mixed into our land’s soil.

The Significance of Independence Day

For those born after 1947, freedom is often taken for granted. We open our eyes in a sovereign country, vote in free elections, speak our minds, and move freely without fear of foreign masters. But this freedom exists because countless men and women chose courage over comfort.

Independence Day serves several vital purposes:

A Tribute to Sacrifices – It is a solemn occasion to remember our martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives for us.
A Reminder of Our Duties – Freedom comes with responsibility. This day urges us to contribute positively to the nation’s progress.
A Celebration of Unity – Despite differences in language, religion, and culture, India’s independence was achieved because we stood united.
An Inspiration for Future Generations – By revisiting the stories of struggle, we inspire the youth to uphold justice, equality, and integrity.
The Celebrations Across the Country
The prime minister raises the flag and speaks to the crowd at Delhi’s Red Fort during the main celebration. Pandit Nehru initiated this custom in 1947, and it has persisted unabated, signifying the enduring nature of our democratic principles. Schools, colleges, organizations, and communities all over the nation host plays that portray the freedom struggle, debates, patriotic song contests, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural programs. Children dress in saffron, white, and green, the tricolor is used to decorate the streets, and the national anthem is played. We are reminded of the sacrifices and hardships of our heroes by patriotic movies and documentaries. In many regions of the country, kite flying adds color to the skies and represents India’s spirit of freedom.

The Spirit of Patriotism
Independence Day is about feeling proud to be Indian, not just about flying the flag and singing the national anthem. Authentic patriotism transcends catchphrases. Our daily deeds, obeying the law, protecting public property, lending a hand to neighbors, supporting cleanliness campaigns, encouraging harmony, and putting forth our best effort in our specialized fields all demonstrate it.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This day reminds us that we must work towards eradicating poverty, illiteracy, corruption, and injustice.

Honouring the Known and Unknown Heroes
We honor titans like Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose, and Bhagat Singh. But thousands of unsung heroes also helped to shape our freedom: workers who rebelled against British industries, women who served as messengers, farmers who provided sanctuary to revolutionaries, and soldiers who mutinied for freedom. Freedom warriors like Birsa Munda, who battled for tribal rights against colonial oppression, and Matangini Hazra, who led a procession with the tricolor and was shot, serve as a reminder that the fight for freedom was not limited to well-known figures but rather involved a large-scale movement involving all facets of society.

Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Roshan Singh, the renowned Kakori Conspiracy trio (1925), were among the most inspirational. In an attempt to undermine colonial authority, they conspired to plan and carry out the train robbery in order to raise money for revolutionary activities against British rule. Ram Prasad Bismil was a poet, freedom fighter, and founding member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). His ferocious writings and unwavering leadership inspired millions of people. His patriotic poem “Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna” continues to evoke strong emotions in people. Ashfaqulla Khan: Proving that the struggle for freedom was not just a religious battle, he was a courageous revolutionary and the first Muslim to be given the death penalty in a conspiracy case during the freedom movement. He remained by his friends’ side until the very end. Roshan Singh: An assiduous HRA member,

The Responsibility We Carry Today
Even though we were born in an independent India, it is our responsibility to uphold and defend the hard-won freedom.It is important to keep in mind that independence is not absolute and can only flourish when citizens actively contribute to the development of their country. How responsibly we use our rights and how honestly we carry out our responsibilities will determine how far India can go. “Independence is definitely a matter of joy,” as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sagely cautioned. But we must remember that this independence has come with a lot of responsibility. From midnight of 15th August 1947, we have become the makers of our destiny and our success or failure will depend upon how we conduct ourselves.

Our Promise to the Nation
On this Independence Day, let us pledge:

To respect and uphold the Constitution.
To work hard in our fields of expertise for the nation’s progress.
To spread harmony and unity, rejecting hatred and discrimination.
To protect the environment for future generations.
To honour and remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters in our daily conduct.
We may not fight on battlefields today, but our actions in classrooms, workplaces, communities, and homes decide the strength of our nation.

A Salute to Our Freedom Fighters
We will never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom, even though it has been decades since 1947. The colors of our flag have become brighter with each drop of blood shed during the conflict. We bow our heads in honor of all the martyrs whose bravery helped to shape who we are today. We cherish each of them because they bestowed upon us the gift of freedom, which needs to be treasured, nourished, and preserved for future generations.

Conclusion:
Independence Day honors history, solidarity, and the continuous progress of a great country. It serves as a reminder that although freedom was won in 1947, our commitment today is what will keep it that way. Every day, let’s put aside our differences, make contributions to our society, and maintain the spirit of patriotism.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

Authored by
Md Irshad Ahmad
Advocate, Supreme Court of India