India attained freedom on the momentous day of 15th August 1947. India’s journey from a British colony to free democratic country is a commendable story that shall remain forever etched in the global history. We are well versed with the freedom struggle stories and events but we little do we know that a lot took place on this independence day. So, here are 11 interesting facts about Independence day in India that will ignite patriotism in you!
#1 Choosing 15th August As Independence Day
India unofficially attained independence on July 18, 1947 however Lord Mountbatten chose 15th August 1947 as the independence day for India. This day marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces in World War II. Lord Mountbatten chose this date because he had been the Supreme Allied Commander of South-East Asia Command and was the one who accepted the Japanese surrender in Singapore. Now we know we our Independence day celebrations take place on 15th August every year and not July 18th.
#2 Place where National Flag Was Hoisted
On of the most interesting independence day facts is that the Indian national flag was unfurled on August 7, 1906 in Calcutta at the Parsee Bagan Square for the very first time and not at the Red Fort. Interestingly the national flag had horizontal stripes of red, yellow and green. The red stripes at the top had eight white lotuses which were embossed on it in a row. The green stripes had a white sun on the left and also a white crescent and star on the right.
#3 Partition of India and Pakistan
The Partition Plan was announced on June 3, 1947 but came into effect on 14th August 1947 which is the very same day that Pakistan was established. On the next day that is August 15th, 1947, the foundation of the Independent Sovereign Republic of India was strongly established. The partition had cost both the nations more than a million lives and almost 4 million Hindus and Sikhs migrated from Pakistan to India and almost 5 million Muslims from India to Pakistan. The Indian independence day marked the official partition between India and Pakistan
#4 Status of Goa in free India
While the dominion of India attained freedom and independence from British Raj, Goa was still languishing under four and a half century of Portuguese rule. Goa was not a part of free India which is an interesting fact about independence day. The Portuguese were the first to colonize parts of India, and also the last to leave. Goa was liberated from clutches of Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961 by the Indian Navy. Armed guerrillas, Satyagrahis, journalists and even legendary film artists actively participated to fight for Goa’s independence.
#5 Fasting by Mahatma Gandhi
When India attained freedom on August 15, 1947, the chief architect of the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was in Calcutta. This the most fascinating aspect of independence day. When the rest entire country was celebrating the spirit of independence day, Mahatma Gandhi dedicated this day to pray, fast and protest against communal hatred that arose between Muslims and Hindus in Bengal.
#6 Juggling between Karachi and Delhi
Lord Mountbatten was super busy at the time of independence day as he played a central role in the transfer of power ceremony in Karachi on 14th August 1947 and the next day in Delhi on 15th August 1947.
#7 Nehru Was Not Elected As Prime Minister
Technically, Jawarharlal Nehru was not our first elected Prime Minister of free India but Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was. Sardar Patel won the elections fair and square but was pulled down since Jawaharlal Nehru didn’t want to play second in command to anyone and also Gandhi had a soft spot for Nehru. Now, this is one of the most intriguing independence day facts.
#8 India’s First Prime Minister Was A Global Style Icon
Free India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was regarded as a global style icon. His popular ‘Nehru’ jacket is a style statement that earned him a place in the Vogue magazine.
#9 Value Of Indian Currency
Indian rupee in 1947 was Re 1 = $ 1.
#10 Material Of Indian Flag
The flag code of India stipulates that the only material to be used for making flag is khadi. Flying a flag made of any material other than khadi is punishable under law with three years imprisonment and a fine. Interestingly there is only one group, the Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission which holds the right to manufacture the flag and allocates it to regional groups.
#11 No National Anthem During The Time of Independence Day
The first rendition of the national anthem was during a convention of the Indian National Congress on December 16th, 1911. It was in Hamburg on 11th September, 1942 that Jana Gana Mana was performed for the first time. On the independence day the song was not given the status of national anthem and it was only on 24th January 1950 that this song was officially declared as India’s national anthem.
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