Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Independence Day - 15 August

India became an independent nation 65 years ago on 15 August 1947 - it became free from British Rule and became a Sovereign Nation. This day also coincides with the partition of India and the formation of two States - Dominion of India and Dominion of Pakistan. The Independence Day is a National Holiday in India. The Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at Red Fort in in the National capital of Delhi'followed by his speech which is nationally broadcast on Radio and TV.This is followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The day is observed all over India with flag hoisting ceremonies,parades and cultural events.I wish to recollect the famous opening paragraph of the speech given by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru when India attained freedom:

"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall 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. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity "

Did you know how India's flag looked like before Independence? Frankly I did not know till I found this in the Wikipedia !
A British blue Ensign (a blue flag with the Union Jack placed at the top left corner) charged with the Star of India (five pointed star inside a circular band tied at the bottom)
Flag of British India  -  1858-1947

Flag of India.svg
The Indian Flag of Independent India
The Indian Flag is a horizontal rectangular tri-color flag sporting tri-colors of Saffron(top), white(middle) and Green(bottom). In the center of the white is a navy blue wheel having 24 spokes. The Flag by law is made of Khadi,a special handspun cloth of cotton or silk,made popular by Mahatma Gandhi. The Saffron color represents Courage and Sacrifice,the White stands for Truth and Purity and the Green for Peace and Prosperity. The Asoka Chakra(24 spoked wheel) represents Dharma or Righteousness.
A recent photograph of a kid celebrating Independence day :) (Picture from Wikipedia)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY GREETINGS TO ALL BLOGGER FRIENDS AND VIEWERS

40 comments:

  1. In India you really know how to celebrate and this one is of supreme importance. In Roman Catholicism this is also the day of the Immaculate Conception.
    Wise words from Pundit Nehru!
    Wishing you joyful celebrations.

    Ruby

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  2. Happy independence day

    great info

    thanks

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  3. Nice to see that British India flag.

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  4. Dear Ram,
    Thank you for the knowledge of this GREAT history. You did a masterful job with it. Loved the picture of the kid celebrating the BIG day (smile). Thanks for sharing my friend.

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  5. Good read..Happy independence day!!
    Prathima Rao
    Prats Corner

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  6. Independence Day greetings to you too!

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  7. A great day for India, happy independence day.

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  8. happy independence day, sir! (even if you are celebrating it in the states, presently.) :)

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  9. Never knew about that flag!!
    Happy Independence Day to you too!!
    Have a wonderful day :)

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  10. great informations...
    nice pics..
    happy independence day.
    regards

    anu

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  11. What a beautiful and colorful flag! You have every right to be proud of your country, Ram. Happy Independence Day!

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  12. Happy independence day...lovely pic of the kid!

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  13. Really, that is how our flag looked before Independence. I love the tricolor. Thanks for sharing this and happy I-day to you too :)

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  14. Happy Independence day.
    Thanks for sharing all the information.

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  15. India has made the most of her freedom. Happy Independence Day!

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  16. "Britsh India Falg" thanks for letting us know about it.....:)

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  17. Happy Independence day to you too!

    The child is enjoying carrying the flags all over his body! Nice picture!

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  18. Good information.
    The kid with many flags looks very cute...

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  19. Happy Independence Day greetings to you!

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  20. Happy Independence Day! Nice pictures and information.

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  21. I LOVE!!!! this slice of history and how India celebrates Independence Day. Now, the Red Fort isn't just a beautiful tourist site, but a truly important part of history, the one that has passed (and needed remembering) - and the one that is still being made!

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  22. Thank you for the picture of the British-India flag. That was news to me too.

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  23. I love the photo of the child in flag colors. It looks like a happy time for all.

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  24. Thank You: happy Independence Day! I know I'm late...sorry!

    hugs
    bshell

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  25. I had not know that Aug. 15 was your independence day until I read it on another blog.

    Hope you had a wonderful celebration. The flags are also most interesting.

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  26. Happy Independence Day Ram!!! Please post some pix of the celebrations :))) You know we all want to see!!

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  27. I didn't know the flag before independence. Thank you for sharing.
    Happy Independence Day.

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  28. It's news that was our earlier flag! Thanks RR for sharing this.

    ERR

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  29. It was nice to learn a little bit more about your wonderful country!

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  30. What an amazing portrait at the bottom! Happy Independence Day.

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  31. By the way, Goa, Daman and Diu remained Portuguese, but you got rid of us in 1961. Well done! :-)

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  32. I'm moving Chennai and would go to eat Guntur idlis:))..
    Happy Independence day greetings..belated though

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  33. Namaste...
    informative as always.
    love the independent flag oh and that child is so preciously delicious, goodness he is so cute! He is the future!

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  34. A very interesting post Rama and especially that flag:)

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  35. The indian independence day greetings have their own significance. The Independence day of India is one of the most happiest day of every Indian and every person celebrate this with lots of pleasure and enthusiasm.

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  36. Its good to read this post always.

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