Why Is Independence Day Important?
The day of 15th August 1947 has been engraved in the golden history of India. It is the day when India got its freedom from 200 years of British rule. It was a hard and long struggle in which many freedom fighters and great men sacrificed their lives for our beloved motherland.
India celebrates its Independence Day on the 15th of August every year. This year India Independence Day is celebrated with the theme of “Viksit Bharat” which means Developed India. This theme reflects the Indian government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047, which will be the 100th anniversary of India's independence
Independence Day 2024 reminds us of all the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters to liberate India from British rule. On 15th August 1947, India was announced free from British imperialism and turned into the biggest vote-based system, the largest democracy in the world.
Using this Independence Day essay in English, students can track down every one of the significant subtleties of India's Independence history. This can help them with their exam preparation as questions are generally asked in the CBSE English paper. Additionally, they can utilise this article as study material for the Independence Day essay for kids during the exam.
Also Check: India Independence Day 2024 - History and Background
Essay on Independence Day 2024
15th August is announced as a public celebration with flag hoisting, marches, and social works. Schools, universities, workplaces, society buildings, government, and private associations celebrate this day beautifully. On this day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort and addresses the country with a speech. Doordarshan communicates the whole occasion in real-time on TV.
History of Independence Day
In 1947, on 15th August, India became independent. We won freedom from British Raj after a hard struggle. On this day at the stroke of midnight, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, our first Prime Minister, unfurled the National Flag at the Red Fort for the first time. It marked the end of the 200 years old British reign in India. We now breathe air in a free and sovereign nation.
The British have governed India for about 200 years. Under British colonisation, the life of every Indian was depressing and full of struggle. Indians were treated as slaves and had no freedom of speech. Indian rulers were puppets in the possession of British officers. Indian fighters were dealt with cruelty in British camps, and farmers were starving as they couldn't grow crops and needed to pay substantial land taxes.
On this special occasion, the people of India remember the selfless sacrifices and unparalleled contributions of great men and women to achieve the independence of India. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel, and Gopalbandhu Das are paid reverent homage by one and all in the country.
Also Check: India Independence Day Speech
Great Indian Freedom Fighters
India couldn't have acquired independence without the efforts of numerous extraordinary freedom fighters. Bhagat Singh, Rani of Jhansi, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Ashfaqulla Khan are some of the notable names.
Role of Women in India's Independence
Several women have played a significant part in the Indian freedom movement. Savitribai Phule, Mahadevi Verma, Capt Laxmi Sehgal, Rani Laxmibai, and Basanti Devi are just a few crucial names to remember. These women along with many others played a prominent role in leading India towards its independence.
The ‘Good’ British Rulers in India
Not all the British were awful; many started adoring India and did incredible things for it. Some even took part in the Indian Independence struggle. Some of the good British rulers include Warren Hastings who developed court reforms; Freda Bedi who supported Indian nationalism; Allan Octavian Hume who started the Indian National Congress, etc.
Also Check: Welcome Speech for Indian Independence Day
Why Do We Celebrate Indian Independence Day?
India accomplished freedom following a 200-year-long battle. India gained complete independence from the British on 15th August 1947. That is why the day holds importance in the heart of each Indian citizen either living in India or abroad. India is celebrating 78 years of freedom on 15th August 2024. This day also helps us remember the struggles of freedom fighters and the lives sacrificed in attaining independence.
The struggle that our freedom fighters have gone through shows us that the freedom we appreciate today has been attained by shedding the blood of hundreds of individuals. It stirs patriotism inside each Indian. It makes the current generation understand the struggles of individuals around them and familiarise themselves with the freedom fighters of India.
Importance of Independence Day Essay
Independence day is a positive historical event for the country since we were free from British rule on this day. It unites diverse individuals all over the country. Unity in diversity is the fundamental path and strength of India. We feel pleased to be a part of the biggest majority-rule country on the planet, where we live in a democracy.
Independence Day is an important day in the life of every Indian citizen. Year after year, it reminds us of our great freedom fighters who sacrificed and struggled their lives in order to free our Motherland from British rule. It reminds us of the great paragons, which were the foundation of the dream of a free India, envisioned and realised by the founding fathers.
Also Check: Importance of Independence Day
Activities on Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated with great joy across the country. People hold meetings, fly the tricolour flag, and sing the National Anthem. There is great enthusiasm among all. In the national capital, Delhi, this day is celebrated with great pomp and show. All leaders and common people gather in large numbers on the parade ground in front of the Red Fort and eagerly wait for the arrival of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister then hoists the National Flag and makes a speech that focuses on the achievements of the government during the past year, mentions the issues that still need to be addressed, and calls upon further developmental efforts. Foreign dignitaries are also invited to this occasion.
Tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle. The Indian National Anthem – “Jana Gana Mana” is sung. The parade by the Indian Army and the Paramilitary forces is followed by the speech. All state capitals hold events on similar lines with the Chief Minister of the respective states unfurling the National Flag.
Independence Day is observed with great honour at all the government and private institutions, schools, and colleges. Students take part in parades and sing the National Anthem before hoisting the National Flag. Some historical buildings are specially decorated with lights depicting the independence theme. Special programs like planting trees are taken up on this day. The young minds are infused with a sense of patriotism and nationalistic feelings. To celebrate this occasion, sports and cultural competitions are conducted, and prizes are awarded to the winners. Sweets are distributed among everyone. Patriotic songs can be heard at every street corner.
Another interesting feature of the celebration is the kite-flying event that is held all over the country with great zeal. The sky on this day is filled with kites of various colours, shapes, and sizes.
Even television channels and radio programs are charged up with patriotism. The channels telecast movies and documentaries based on patriotic themes in order to let the people and children know about various incidents of our freedom struggle and to inspire a love for our motherland. All the national newspapers also print special editions and cite inspirational stories and excerpts of the life of great men from the great books written about them.
Quotes on Indian Independence Day
"Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge." - Jawaharlal Nehru
"The best road to progress is freedom's road." - Mahatma Gandhi
"India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great-grandmother of tradition." - Mark Twain
"We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein
Conclusion
Indian Independence Day 2024 is a national occasion and celebrated as a national holiday on which all shops, workplaces, schools and universities remain closed. This day is a token to the freedom fighters and patriots who sacrificed their lives so we could experience and live in a free land. The tricolour is hoisted in schools and other institutions on this day.
A wind of patriotism and national integration blows across the country on this day. The country is celebrating its 78th Independence Day as it completes 78 years of independence to remind the citizens of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. India will commemorate its past this Independence Day and will also lay plans for the future. It is now in the hands of India’s youth to shape and form the future of our country.
FAQs on Independence Day Essay: Key Facts, History & Writing Tips
1. What are the key points to include when writing a short essay on Independence Day?
When writing a short essay on Independence Day, focus on these essential points:
- Introduction: Start by stating that India celebrates Independence Day on August 15th every year.
- Historical Context: Mention that this day marks India's freedom from nearly 200 years of British rule in 1947.
- Freedom Struggle: Briefly touch upon the long and difficult struggle and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters.
- The First Celebration: Describe the first Independence Day, when India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort.
- Modern Celebrations: Explain how it's celebrated today in schools, colleges, and across the nation with flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs.
- Conclusion: End by reflecting on the importance of this day for national pride and unity.
2. How should a standard Independence Day essay be structured for a school assignment?
A well-structured essay on Independence Day should follow a clear format:
- Title: A relevant title like "Celebrating Freedom: India's Independence Day".
- Introduction: Begin by introducing the topic and its significance. State the date, August 15, 1947, and briefly explain what it represents – the end of British colonial rule.
- Body Paragraphs: Dedicate 2-3 paragraphs to the main content. The first could cover the history of the freedom struggle, mentioning key movements and leaders. The second can describe how Independence Day is celebrated today, including the main event at the Red Fort and local celebrations. A third could discuss the importance of the day in modern India.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main points and end with a reflective statement about the values of freedom, democracy, and our duty as citizens to uphold them.
3. When and from whom did India achieve its independence?
India achieved its independence on August 15, 1947. The country became free from the rule of the British Empire, which had controlled India for nearly 200 years. The transfer of power was officially overseen by the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, marking the beginning of India's journey as a sovereign nation.
4. Who were some of the most important freedom fighters to mention in an essay on Independence Day?
An essay on Independence Day should mention the contributions of key figures who led the freedom struggle. Some of the most important names to include are:
- Mahatma Gandhi: Known as the 'Father of the Nation' for his leadership in non-violent civil disobedience.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: India's first Prime Minister, who played a crucial role in shaping the newly independent nation.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Instrumental in integrating the princely states into the Indian union.
- Subhas Chandra Bose: A prominent leader who formed the Azad Hind Fauj to fight for freedom.
- Bhagat Singh: A revolutionary who inspired millions of youths with his ultimate sacrifice.
- Sarojini Naidu: A powerful poet and political activist, also known as the 'Nightingale of India'.
5. What is the significance of the Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort on Independence Day?
The Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort is a central tradition of India's Independence Day celebration. Its significance lies in several aspects:
- National Address: It is a direct address to the entire nation, outlining the government's achievements from the past year.
- Future Vision: The Prime Minister lays out the vision and key initiatives for the country's future development.
- Tribute: The speech pays homage to the freedom fighters and acknowledges the progress made since independence.
- Symbolism: Delivering the speech from the historic Red Fort, a symbol of national power, reinforces the sovereignty and pride of the nation.
6. What is the main difference between Independence Day and Republic Day?
While both are national holidays, they celebrate two different milestones. Independence Day (August 15th) marks the day India became free from British rule in 1947. In contrast, Republic Day (January 26th) commemorates the day the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, officially making India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Independence Day celebrates the achievement of freedom, while Republic Day celebrates the establishment of our democratic system of governance.
7. Beyond just political freedom, what does 'freedom' on Independence Day truly signify?
In an essay, 'freedom' on Independence Day can be explored beyond its political meaning. It signifies:
- Freedom of Thought and Expression: The ability for every citizen to express their views and beliefs without fear, a right guaranteed by our Constitution.
- Social Freedom: The ongoing struggle for freedom from social evils like poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
- Economic Freedom: The opportunity for every Indian to pursue economic growth and a better quality of life.
- Cultural Freedom: The right to practise and preserve India's diverse traditions, languages, and cultures.
True freedom is about empowering every citizen to reach their full potential in a just and inclusive society.
8. Why is it important to connect the historical struggle for freedom with modern India in an essay?
Connecting the historical freedom struggle with modern India in an essay provides depth and relevance. It is important because:
- It shows that the values and ideals our freedom fighters fought for—democracy, secularism, and social justice—are the foundation of our nation today.
- It reminds the reader that the freedoms we enjoy were not easily won but were the result of immense sacrifice and struggle.
- It encourages reflection on how we, as citizens, are carrying forward the legacy of our founders and contributing to the goal of building a strong and progressive India.
