Fwd: Independence Day in India: History
Jambunathan Iyer
In 1757, British rule began in India which was followed by the victory of English East India Company at the Battle of Plassey and gained control over the country. East India Company took control in India for almost 100 years and then British crown replaced it via Indian Mutiny in 1857-58. During World War I, the India Independence movement was started and it was led by Mahatma Gandhi who advocated the method of nonviolent, non-cooperation movement which was followed by Civil Disobedience movement.
In 1946, the Labor Government, the exchequer of Britain thought of ending their rule over India because of their capital loss during World War II. Then, British Government in the early 1947 announced to transfer all powers to the Indians by June 1948. But the violence between Hindu and Muslim was not decreased basically in Punjab and Bengal.
In fact in June 1947 several leaders like Pandit jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Abul Kalam Azad, B.R Ambedkar etc. agreed for the partition of India. Millions of people from different religious groups started finding places to reside. And due to this approx. 250,000 to 500,000 people died. On 15 August, 1947 at midnight India got independence and was concluded by the Jawahar Lal Nehru speech "Tryst with destiny".
What is Indian Independence Act 1947?
The British Prime Minister Clement Atlee on 20 February, 1947
declared that the British rule in India would end by 30 June, 1948 after which
the powers would be transferred to responsible Indian hands. This announcement
was followed by the agitation by the Muslim league and demanding for the
partition of the country. Then, on 3 June, 1947, British Government declared
that any Constitution framed by the Indian Constituent Assembly which was
formed in 1946 cannot apply to those parts of the country which were unwilling
to accept it. And so on the same day that is on 3 June, 1947, Lord Mountbatten,
the viceroy of India put forth the partition plan which is known as Mountbatten
Plan. The Congress and the Muslim league accepted the plan. Immediate effect
was given to the plan enacting the Indian Independence Act 1947.
1.
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 provided that on 15th August,
1947, the appointed date, two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, would
be set up and the Act provided for complete transfer of power.
2. The dominion of India for the territory of Bombay, Madras, U.P., Central Province, Bihar, East Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Delhi, Ajmer, Coorg etc., and the rest of India except Sindh, Baluchistan, West Punjab, East Bengal, North-West Frontier Province and Sylhet in Assam which became the territories of Pakistan. For demarcating the boundaries, Boundary Commission was formed with Sir Cyril Radcliffe as the Chairman.
3. The Crown was no longer the source of authority.
4. The Governor General and Provincial Governors were to act as Constitutional heads. They lost extraordinary powers to legislate.
5. The office of the Secretary of State was abolished.
6. From 15th of August, 1947, the British Crown lost all rights of Paramountcy over India and the Indian states were free to join either Indian Union or Pakistan.
7. The power in each dominion was transferred to the Constituent Assembly which became fully sovereign from 15th August, 1947 and were absolutely free to frame the Constitution. The Constituent Assembly had a dual role i.e. Constituent and Legislative. They functioned as Central Legislature till the new legislatures were formed.
8. Until the new Constitution was framed, the Act of 1935 would govern the Centre and the Provinces with necessary modification:-
On 14-15 August, 1947, midnight, the British rule came to an end
and power was transferred to the two new independent Dominions of India and the
Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the new
Dominion of India. Jawahar Lal Nehru became the first prime minister of
Independent India. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the
Parliament of Indian Dominion.
Independence Day in India: Celebrations
Let me tell you that in 2022 India will celebrate its 76th Independence Day and full dress rehearsal will held at Red Fort on 13 August, 2022. The Army, Navy and Air Force marched across the red Fort and the school children in colorful dresses do rehearsal in front of the dignitaries and audience present in the rehearsal.
The President delivers the “Address to the Nation" on the Independence Day event. Prime Minister of India unfurls the flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort. Several cultural programmes are held in the state capital Delhi by various schools and organizations.
People on Independence Day fly kites which symbolizes the free spirit of India. Red Fort in Delhi is also an important symbol as on 15 August, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India's flag. Several people attend the flag hoisting ceremony in the city of Delhi which is a beautiful experience to watch. And some people watch patriotic cinemas; watch Red Fort ceremony in their houses at TV. Whole nation celebrate this day with full enthusiasm and with the spirit of patriotism.
End of the Note – Note Compiled on 15th Aug 2019 Now reposted.
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