Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. India attained freedom following an independence movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties.
The flagship event in Independence Day celebrations takes place in Delhi, where the prime minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort
and delivers from its ramparts a speech. The holiday is observed
throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural
events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on
their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic
songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends.
Books and films feature the independence and partition in their
narrative. Separatist and militant organisations have often carried out
terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared
strikes and used black flags to boycott the celebration.
History
European traders had established outposts on the Indian subcontinent by the 17th century.Through overwhelming military strength, the British East India company subdued local kingdoms and established themselves as the dominant force by the 18th century. Following the Rebellion of 1857, the Government of India Act 1858 led the British Crown to assume direct control of India. In the decades following, civic society gradually emerged across India, most notably the Indian National Congress, formed in 1885. The period after World War I was marked by British reforms such as the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms, but it also witnessed the enactment of the repressive Rowlatt Act and calls for self-rule by Indian activists. The discontent of this period crystallized into nationwide non-violent movements of non-cooperation and civil disobedience, led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
During the 1930s, reform was gradually legislated by the British; Congress won victories in the resulting elections. The next decade was beset with political turmoil: Indian participation in World War II, the Congress's final push for non-cooperation, and an upsurge of Muslim nationalism led by the All-India Muslim League. The escalating political tension was capped by Independence in 1947. The jubilation was tempered by the bloody partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan.
This is our 67th Independence Day. "Sutthona Banni Team Karnataka" wishes you all "Happy Independence Day".
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