news details |
|
|
| The day of Independence – 15 August | | |
Mahadeep Singh Jamwal
On 15 August 2020, we are celebrating 74th Independence Day. August 15 is a special day for every Indian heart. The day has a great significance in the Indian history. The day stands for India’s Independence and is celebrated each year with much gusto and fervor. The magic of tricolor takes over and each Indian Citizen brims with patriotism on this day. In India Independence Day is celebrated by the people of all religions, cultures and traditions with great joy and happiness. This day reminds us of the sacrifice of our freedom fighters. Over the course of history, India has faced several invasions. The British managed to bring India under their control through a business venture landing in India in the early seventeenth century as traders. After the battle of Plassey (1757) it began to transform from a trading company to a ruling force. The British rule had a damaging effect on the social, economic, cultural and political life of Indians, which gradually forced common masses and rulers to rise in revolt against the British rule. The Revolt of 1857 (Over the issue of ‘greased cartridges) often referred to as ‘First War of Indian Independence’. The first large-scale rebellion against the British rule, and inspired the future generation to fight for the independence of the motherland. The ‘Jallianwalah Bagh’ incident of 1919 played an important role in the start of the Non-cooperation and the Jallianwalah Bagh incident played an important role in the start of the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement.’ It was the first big ‘Satyagraha Movement’ under Gandhi’s leadership. He requested the support of other political and religious leaders and gave a call to Indians to stop using British products. It was in 1929 when Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru gave a call for ‘Poorna Swaraj’ complete independence from colonial rule. In-between series of incidents, on 8 August 1942, The ‘Quit India Movement’ also known as ‘August Movement’ was launched demanding an end of British Rule of India. The 1947 Indian Independence Act, an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom received the Royal Assent on 18 July 1947 and thus India and Pakistan came into being. On August 14, Pakistan was declared a free nation. Few minutes later at 12:02 am on 15 August, India became a democratic nation, much to the joy and relief of the entire Indian subcontinent. Ultimately Union Jack, also known as the Union Flag of United Kingdom was brought down and the national flag of Independent India was raised by first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru above the ‘Lahori Gate’ of the Red Fort on 15 August 1947.
The day of August 15 is inscribed in golden letters in Indian history. On this day, we got freedom from 200 years of the slavery of the British. But, we did not get this privilege of freedom in the bailout. For freedom our ancestors have given millions of sacrifices. Today we salute all those brave sons. August 15 is the day of independence, an independence that was imagined by the ancestors. But are we really free? This is a mind boggling million dollar question. Even after 74 years of independence, many other types of slavery still exist in the country. We have not got freedom from illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, child labor, human trade, body trade, corruption and dishonesty. We are still slave to many constitutional provisions as those illiterate and with criminal background facing murder, attempt to murder, rape, kidnapping and with heinous crime, Law-Breakers become Law-Makers and constitution laugh at us. We have to look for a innovative system as in the existing set up, the political party having less number of vote percentage (but more seats) rule over the much more percentage of voters that don’t like that party or their leaders. We have to introspect today whether are really we are independent? The populace is just left with only option to vote for the candidates that are fielded by the political parties. Thereafter the political set up decide our fate and political hawks place the bureaucracy, that actually run the country in such an arrangement on the Chess-Board of power seats, that moves and works only for the achievement of political agendas of those politicians occupying central stages of power, who are always looking for the vote-bank to remain in power. This all is a politicians and bureaucrat nexus that actually run the country and common man feel squeezed betwixt the two as a slave. The autocracy and selfishness of politicians has enslaved us differently even after so many years of independence. Our constitution advocates equality, but in many areas the gap of inequality is quite large. On 15 August, we consider patriotism to be the only one to complete the formalities by hoisting the tricolor. But, we have to understand that patriotism should be included in our every action and duty.
Let us recall our glorious past, remember all those who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle and helped us in getting a sovereign identity.
The freedom doesn’t see colors or shapes. There is enough hate and violence in the country even after 74 years of independence that gives us a reason and need to build a better future, full of love, unity and understanding. We got freedom because of our united strength and with same zeal we are supposed to move ahead to make our nation as world leader.
Let’s make a resolution today that we should be honest citizens and services be always being dedicated in country service rather than to the services of our political hawks and services to the Government as suggested by Mark Twain “Loyalty to the Nation all the time, Loyalty to the Government when it Deserve it”. Depart with the message on the day “We should salute the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and soldiers who made the dream of Independent India a reality. May this day bring harmony between all the communities and unite us as a nation”. Happy Independence Day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
