Dr Jaipal Singh
India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on 15th of August 2024 with profound fervour and zeal. The story of India’s independence is not just about the past; it is about the continuous struggle to build a nation that upholds the values of freedom, justice, and equality for all its citizens. It is a time to celebrate the progress made, but also to acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. As India looks to the future, the lessons of the past 77 years will serve as a guiding light, ensuring that the country continues to move forward on the path of progress and prosperity. This day memorizes the journey of India from British colonial subjugation to a vibrant democracy.
The Historical Context
The British East India Company arrived in India in the early 17th century (August 24, 1608 at the Surat Port), initially as traders and later started establishing its factories – first in 1611 at Masulipatnam on Andhra Coast of Bay of Bengal , second at Surat in 1615 and continued its expansion in India forcibly by annexing other regions by forged alliances with the rulers of territory that they could not conquer.Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British dominance, and by the mid-19th century, the British Crown had assumed direct control over most of India (1858).
The colonial administration extracted vast resources from the country, leading to widespread poverty and deprivation among the Indian population. Indian society was also subjected to divisive policies, such as the promotion of religious and caste differences, which the British used to maintain control. The resentment against these policies and the overall oppressive nature of British rule sowed the seeds of India’s independence movement.
The Struggle for Freedom
India’s journey to independence is a story of relentless struggle, immense sacrifice, and an indomitable spirit. It was a journey that spanned over two centuries, marked by resistance, rebellion, and a determination to break free from the shackles of British colonial. The struggle for independence began in earnest in the mid-19th century. The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant but ultimately unsuccessful uprising against British rule. Despite its failure, the revolt marked a turning point in Indian history, as it ignited a spirit of resistance among the Indians.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of several nationalist leaders and organizations, including the Indian National Congress (INC), founded in 1885. The INC became the principal platform for expressing the aspirations of the Indian people and for demanding greater political rights and eventual independence from British rule.
The early 20th century also witnessed the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi as a central figure in the independence movement. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience (Satyagraha) resonated deeply with the Indian masses. His leadership in movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22), the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34), and the Quit India Movement (1942) galvanized millions of Indians to participate in the struggle for freedom.
Gandhi’s approach was complemented by other leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, SardarVallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh, each of whom contributed in their own unique ways to the independence movement. While Gandhi advocated for peaceful resistance, leaders like Bose believed in armed struggle, reflecting the diverse strategies within the broader independence movement.
War II and the Path to Independence
At the same time World war II (1 Sept 1939 – 2 Sept 1945), the most bloodiest conflict in Human History had weakened British both militarily and economically to such an extent that they could not resist against the Quit India Movement of 1942, launched by Gandhi, demanded an immediate end to British rule.Although the British responded with severe repression, imprisoning many leaders, but failed to curb this movement. The end of the war in 1945 saw the British Empire weakened and the demand for independence in India becoming increasingly irresistible.
The post-war period (after Sept 2,1945) was marked by intense negotiations between the British government, the INC, and the Muslim League, which represented the interests of India’s Muslim population. The demand for a separate Muslim state, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, created a rift within the independence movement. This eventually led to the partition of India into two separate states-India and Pakistan.
On August 15, 1947, India finally achieved independence, but it was a bittersweet moment. The joy of freedom was marred by the trauma of partition, which resulted in one of the largest mass migrations in human history, accompanied by communal violence that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The partition left a deep scar on the Indian subcontinent, the effects of which are still felt today.
Building a New Nation
The newly independent India faced great challenges in terms of rebuilding drained economy, integration of nearly 500 princely states etc…SardarVallabhbhai Patel, as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, played a pivotal role in this integration, ensuring the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.India also faced the task of establishing a democratic system of governance. Under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country adopted a constitution that came into effect on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The Indian Constitution, one of the longest in the world, enshrined fundamental rights for all citizens and established a framework for a parliamentary democracy.
Diversified achievements and challenges
Over the past 77 years, India has made significant strides in various fields with diverse industrialization, green revolution, economic growth and globalization. Despite these achievements, India continues to grapple with numerous challenges. Economic inequality, social discrimination, religious and communal tensions, and environmental degradation remain significant issues. The vision of an India where all citizens enjoy equality, justice, and prosperity is still a work in progress though soon India may become the third largest economy of the world.
In the realm of science and technology, India has made remarkable achievements. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched missions to the Moon and Mars, placing India among the leading space-faring nations. India’s advancements in information technology have also made it a global hub for IT services.
India’s democratic institutions have also matured, with regular elections, a free press, and an independent judiciary forming the bedrock of the nation’s political system. Despite the challenges of poverty, inequality, and corruption, India has remained committed to its democratic ideals.
Concluding Remarks / Nation Celebration
Let’s honor August 15, 2024, as a special day that represents shared success of freedom fighters who fought for nation’s freedom and justice. Together let’s reaffirm our commitment in building a prosperous and healthy nation as a mark of respect in honour of those freedom fighters. Truly this will be rich tribute to freedom fighters and celebration of Independence Day – A journey from 200years ago to 77years ahead.
(The author is Principal, Shaheed Ghanisham Government Degree College, Doongi – Rajouri)
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