Introduction – Independence Day is celebrated throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and many more programs. The President of India delivers “The Address to the Nation” on this occasion. On this day, the Indian Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi. Twenty-one gunshots are fired in honor of this occasion. The Indian National Anthem “Jan Gan Man” is sung on this occasion. Similarly, events take place in all state capitals, where the Chief Ministers hoist the National Flag, followed by parades.

Independence Day celebrations are held every year on August 15 across India, which remind us, especially youngsters, to remember the difficulties that were faced by our freedom fighters in achieving hard-fought independence from the British. India attained independence following several movements with non-violence and civil disobedience.

History – History – European traders reached Indian shores in the year 1498 with the arrival of the Portuguese. An English trading post was set up at Surat in the year 1613. The decline of the Mughal Empire provided the British with a firm foothold in Indian politics. After the Battle of Plassey, the East India Company won the battle by defeating the strong Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, on June 23, 1757, to establish itself as a major player in Indian affairs. Later, the company won the Battle of Buxur in the year 1764. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan, the English Company gained power in South India.

Independence Movement – The British continued to expand their influence throughout the Indian sub-continent. The first independence war in the year 1857 and the defeat of Indian forces led the British Government to transfer all power from the East India Company to the Crown. There was unrest against British rule, but it was unorganized till 1920 when Mahatma Gandhi took the lead. He transformed a mass movement to campaign against the British with the help of the Indian National Congress. The party used non-violent resistance with non-cooperation. On August 15, 1947, India was declared by British rulers as a dominion within the British Empire. It continued till January 26, 1950, the Republic Day.

Conclusion – We Indians must ensure our unity and integrity so that the independence achieved should not be in danger.

We should take a pledge to be faithful, loyal, and devoted to our country on this day. We should always be ready to sacrifice everything for our country.

I am proud to be an Indian citizen.

Jai Hind