Assam Celebrates India's Independence Day on a grand scale

Independence Day is the day of celebration and realization of the freedom that the nation has attained as a result of sacrifices made by the thousands of freedom fighters to drive away the British. It is a special day for every Indian, which is celebrated with grandeur throughout the nation, irrespective of religion, caste and creed. This year India will be celebrating its 68th Independence Day to commemorate the birth of World’s largest democracy.

India was under the rule of British over 100 years. After the Battle of Plassey in the year 1757, where East India Company won over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies, they established their rule in the country. However, in the year 1858, the British crown took the control over the country from East India Company and ruled until 1947. During this period, Indians had to face several atrocities, which led to number of revolutions, which intensified during 1940’s and finally in the year 1947, the British were forced to live India. At midnight, on 15th August 1947, the British Government transferred the power to the leaders of the country, which marked the end of struggle and atrocities faced by Indians. India was reborn as a free nation and on this historic date, the first Prime Minister of India; Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the tricolor flag of India at Red fort.

Every state had contributed significantly towards the freedom movement of India. Like all other states of India, Assam as well took part actively in the freedom struggle and leaders like Maniram Dewan, Kanaklata Barua, Kushal Kowar, Piyali Phukan, etc. sacrificed their lives for freedom of their motherland. On 15th August every year, Assam also celebrates Independence Day with great fervor and the Chief Minister of the state unfurls the tricolor flag, followed by cultural program. Although, for several years, there has been insurgency problem and it had almost become a custom for the insurgents of the state to boycott Independence Day celebrations by calling for Assam Bandh; it is still celebrated with splendor and zest. On this day, the martyrs of freedom movement are remembered and unfurling of the tricolor is done in every government offices, schools and colleges.