MEMORIES OF 1947 NEWS PAPER

Nehruji and Gandhiji at All India Congress Committe (AICC) meeting in July 1946.

Mountbatten arrives at Delhi airport and is been received by Nehru and Liaquat Ali on March 25, 1947.

Nehru along with Mountbatten on the first Independence Day in Delhi on August 15, 1947.

Mountbatten swears Jawaharlal Nehru in as Prime Minister of India on August 15, 1947.

After swearing in as the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru gives his first speech holding an Indian flag on August 15, 1947.

Today, August 15, 2008, India is celebrating 61 years of Independence. Indian flag is seen flying on top of the Red Fort, New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India gives the speech on every Independence Day.

Vande Matharam!

Jai Hind!

Quick Facts : Independence Day Date: 15th August Type: National Also Called: 15th August Celebrations: Parades, Flag hosting, Cultural programs

Image courtesy: CIA Factbook

The Independence Day in India is celebrated every year on the 15th of August in honor of the birthday of the nation. On 15th August 1947, India achieved her independence from British rule and became a sovereign nation. On the eve of 15th August 1947, India tricolor (saffron, green and white) flag was first hoisted by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at the Red Fort of Delhi. "Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again." … Jawaharlal Nehru (Speech on Indian Independence Day, 15th August 1947) The Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all over the India. On this day tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to gain the freedom for India. The main event takes place in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort accompanied with the gun shots, parade, amazing live performances and music. On this day many political leaders appear at the public events and talk about the nation's heritage, laws, history, people, about recent events and future projects. The Independence Day is considered as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of outdoor events like parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. Nowadays kite flying has become a tradition on this day and people fly numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the freedom. Indians proudly fly their tricolor Flag, sing patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram”, “Jan Gan Man” etc. and enjoy the day with their friends and families.

jai hind