15 August-Independence Day

"Freedom has a thousand charms to show that slaves, however, contented, never now."-William Cooper. 

India has been under the rule of foreign powers and remains a slave for about four hundred years. First of all, Muslims came and they enslaved the country. Then the Moghuls came. They ruled over India. Last of all came the English and they ruled over India for about two hundred years. The Indians had borne all the atrocities and cruelties of the Britishers. The Indians at that time began to think that it was the destiny to be slaves. But some great men took pity, they awakened masses and the struggle for Independence started which lasted for over 90 years from 1857 to 1947. Thousands of lives were lost and lakhs of people sacrificed their lives, wealth, property, children, mothers, sisters, and fathers.

Finally "The Appointed Day' came and Indians got freedom from British rule. Lord Mountbatten handed over the administration to the government of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It was on the 15th of August, 1947 that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India addressed the people of India from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Since that day Indians have been celebrating this great as a symbol of their joy, freedom, and independence.

It is customary that on the 15th of August each year, the Prime Minister arrives at the Red Fort and addresses the nation; illustrate various problems that are confronting the country. But before it, he hoists the flag and the National Anthem is sung. The three wings of the army give a salute to the Prime Minister. After the speech, the Prime Minister departs from there and the crowd melts away slowly.

People out of their joy and happiness were greatly excited. The joy of the children knew no bounds. They were in the gay dresses. The city was decorated well with flags. The government buildings, the salutes of the departed leaders had been garlanded and decorated with flowers.

The cities, towns, and villages held functions on the occasion. Modern leaders come to these functions to address the people and remind them of the sacrifices and the sufferings of the leaders of the past. Homage was paid to those great leaders. Cultural programs were also held in which the patriotic songs were sung, skits and short dramas were performed highlighting the problems of modern India. The buildings of the schools, municipalities, and secretariat buildings, Rashtrapati Bhawan were very well decorated. The buildings will be illuminated with light at night. These buildings presented a beautiful sight.