History behind Independence Day: India was ruled by the British for almost two centuries. The citizens of our country suffered at the hands of the tyrant British officials for years until they finally managed to gather strength and fight them. They struggled for the independence of our country selflessly and tirelessly under the leadership of patriots such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. While some of these leaders advocated the path of non-violence others took to aggressive means to fight the British. However, the ultimate aim of all of them was to drive the British out of the country. After numerous freedom movements, protests and sacrifices, our country finally got independence on 15 August 1947 which was declared as the Independence Day of our country.
Why do We Celebrate Independence Day? We celebrate Independence Day to celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence. It is also celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This day is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy today has been earned the hard way and that we must value it as well as make the most of it for our good and the good of our nation. By way of Independence Day celebrations each year the younger generation is acquainted with the struggles of the people who lived in British colonised India. The celebration is a way of invoking patriotic feelings among the people of our country to encourage them to stay united and work for its betterment.
Activities on Independence Day: Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of our country. Various big and small events are organized in schools, colleges, offices and residential societies to celebrate this day. Here are some of the activities done on Independence Day:
Flag Hoisting: On this day, the Prime Minister of our country hoists the Indian National Flag at Red Fort. This is followed by 21 gun shots in the honour of the occasion. Flag hoisting is done as a part of the Independence Day celebration throughout the country.
Fancy Dress Competitions: Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small kids are seen dressed up as freedom fighters.
Kite Flying Competition: Kite flying competitions are also held on this day. Numerous colourful kits are seen flying in the sky. This is seen as a mark of freedom.
Sweet Distribution: Sweets are distributed after flag hoisting.
By way of Independence Day celebrations each year the younger generation is acquainted with the struggles of the people who lived in British colonised India.
To Be Grateful and Humble: The people who saw the massacre that occurred during the British reign and the kind of difficulties faced during that time are more humble. They have seen the real hardships of life and value the good times. This feeling of gratefulness and humble attitude is missing in the younger generation. Independence Day celebration is a way to acquaint people about problems of the real world and to remind them to be grateful for what they have been bestowed with.
Celebrate the Spirit of Freedom: Independence Day is also celebrated to celebrate the true spirit of freedom and independence. The joy of the citizens of our country knew no bounds as the efforts of the freedom fighters paid off and they attained independence in 1947. They experienced true freedom and this spirit of true freedom is celebrated each year.
Keep the Love for Our Country Alive: The entire country is filled with the feeling of patriotism around Independence Day. Dedicating a special day to the country and celebrating it in various parts is a great way to show love and respect for the country. It is a way to keep the love for our country alive in our hearts.
Inspire Young Generation to Serve the Nation: Independence Day celebrations are a way to inspire the young minds to serve the nation as dedicatedly as the people of the earlier generations did. The brave deeds of the freedom fighters and their love and dedication for their country instil a feeling of patriotism in the young generation and they are inspired to serve the nation in whichever way they can.
Conclusion: Independence Day is celebrated with immense zeal all across our country. People of all ages come forward to celebrate this day. Songs are sung in praise of the freedom fighters as well as our motherland. People are seen dressed up in tri-colour. The sky seems full of kites and there is joy all around.
(The Author is Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree In English Literature At Government Degree College Sumbal Sonawari. Views are exclusively his own)
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