Celebration of India’s 76th Independence Day

Today, (August 15, 2022) Monday, India is celebrating its 76th Independence Day, which signifies India's long-fought victory and honors the valiant citizens who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle. Independence Day marks India's freedom from the clutches of British colonialism for over two centuries. This Independence Day is significant as it commemorates 75 years of the country's independence. 

Since 1947, India has been celebrating 15th August as Independence Day every year since it got its freedom from the then British rule.

India attained freedom from British Rule through movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience, and the Quit India Movement. The country got officially free by the Indian Independence Act, which was passed in July 1947. The act created two new independent dominions - India and Pakistan - and repealed the use of 'Emperor of India' as a title for the British Crown. It also ended all existing treaties with the princely states. 

It was then on August 15, 1947, when India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the Indian leaders with Jawaharlal Nehru becoming India's first Prime Minister.

The celebrations of the 76th Independence Day of India began with PM Modi unfurling the tricolor at 7:30 am, addressing the nation from the Red Fort.

The PM in his speech emphasized women’s dignity. The PM said: “It is important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women.”

He urged the country’s youth to take an oath to make India a developed country within 100 years of Independence. “When we take an oath, we make it happen. That is why when I spoke about Swachh Bharat in my first speech, there was a movement,” he said.

 Leaders and intellectuals from across the world have been congratulating India since Monday morning for its 76th Independence Day.

As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, the countrymen have all been united with a feeling of patriotism. From changing profile pictures on social media to hoisting flags and taking out marches, the entire nation has been a part of the festivities. Especially more so this year, as the government had launched a host of programs, including the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of India’s Independence. This Independence Day seems special to many as it is coming at a time when the nation is collectively coming out of the shackles of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Similarly, The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has celebrated the 76th Independence Day as 'Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' this time. This program is part of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence organized by the Government of India in March 2021 to commemorate the historic achievement of 75 years of India's independence.

On the same occasion, Mr. Prasanna Srivastava, Counselor of the Embassy, inaugurated the program by hoisting the flag. In the program, he read out the speech given by Indian President Draupadi Murmu on the occasion of Independence Day in the name of the country.

During the speech, President Murmu remembered the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of India for the freedom of India and discussed its achievements. Quoting Indian nationalist poet Kuvempu, she called upon the youth of India to fully dedicate themselves to the upliftment of the motherland and the Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, the embassy honored the wives and next of kin of the deceased soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces by giving Nehru 2.65 crores.

In addition, the Embassy also awarded the winners of the Amrit Mahotsav Quiz as part of the Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The event was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India with the aim of encouraging Indian youth and foreign citizens living abroad to know about India.

In the program, the teachers and students of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu presented patriotic songs and other performances. The program was broadcasted live through the Facebook page of the Indian Embassy.