Independence Day 2024, Why was 15th August chosen for India's independence, there is a big reason hidden
Independence Day 2024: 15th August i.e. the day of celebration of Independence (Independence Day 2024) is celebrated with great pomp across the country. On this day in the year 1947, India became independent from British rule, but have you ever wondered why 15th August was chosen for independence? Actually there is an interesting story behind this, which we are going to tell you in this article today.
Ankush Pandey
INTRO
- This year India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day.
- Many people do not know the reason for choosing 15th August as the day for Independence.
- On 15th August, there is an atmosphere of enthusiasm and patriotism across the country.
Independence Day 2024: India officially got independence on 15 August 1947. This year the country is celebrating its 78th Independence Day, which is a day of pride for every citizen. However, the question is why this day was chosen for India's independence and why 15 August is celebrated as Independence Day every year. Let's know some interesting information related to this.
Why do we celebrate Independence Day on 15th August?
History of India's independence has been very interesting. Actually, according to British rule, India was to be given independence on 30th June 1948, but at the same time, the partition of India and Pakistan became a big issue between Nehru and Jinnah, due to which the tension created and the increasing threat of communal riots, it was decided to give independence to India on 15th August 1947. For this, Lord Mountbatten presented the Indian Independence Bill in the British House of Commons on 4th July 1947. After this, it was also approved by the British Parliament and it was announced to celebrate 15th August as India's Independence Day.
Why was 15th August chosen?
15th August was a very special day for the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten. Actually, the Second World War ended on 15th August 1945 and the Japanese army surrendered to the British Army. Lord Mountbatten was leading the Allied forces in British India at the time. So he considered this day to be special. The entire credit for the surrender of the Japanese Army was given to Mountbatten, so Mountbatten considered 15th August to be the best day of his life and That is why he chose 15th August as the date for India's independence.
Why did Mahatma Gandhi not attend?
At the time of independence, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had sent a letter to Mahatma Gandhi inviting him to give blessings on Independence Day, but Mahatma Gandhi did not attend the event. In response to the letter, he had said to Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I cannot be happy on 15 August. I don't want to cheat you, but at the same time I won't say that you shouldn't celebrate. He had said that unfortunately, the way we have got independence today also contains the seeds of future conflict between India and Pakistan. For me, peace between Muslims and Hindus is more important than declaring independence
