India is celebrating the 75th Independence Day on 15th August 2022 to mark the country’s independence from almost two centuries of British colonial rule. PM Narendra Modi leads the ceremony from the Red Fort in New Delhi & addresses the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi. To celebrate 75th years of Independence, the Government of India has started an initiative called “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
History :
The British entered Surat and Gujarat in 1619 for trading purposes. After the victory of the English East India Company at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the British took control of India. The people of India were dominated by the British government for almost 200 years, starting from 1757. Great freedom fighters and leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and others sacrificed everything to see India as an independent one.
The Indian independence movement began during the 1st World War and was led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. India got Independence on 15 August 1947, ending almost 200 years of British rule. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi on 15th August 1947.
Important Points :
- On 15th August, India along with five other countries celebrate their independence. They are Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea and Liechtenstein.
- Even after India’s independence, Goa was still a Portuguese colony. It was annexed to India by the Indian Army in 1961 itself. Thus, Goa was the last state to join Indian territory.
- While India got independence from British rule on 15 August 1947, there were some areas which were still under European control. Puducherry was under French control. On 1 November 1954, the French transferred the territories under their control to India.
- The current flag with saffron, white &green colors and the Ashoka Chakra in the middle was officially adopted on 22nd July 1947 and was hoisted on 15th August 1947.
