Independence Day as seen through the Eyes of a Eight Year Old

-- Basil Paul Olickel, III-D, Carmel School

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Independence day in India is a national holiday, celebrated every year on the 15th of August. This year we would be celebrating our 73rd Independence Day. On this day, 73 years before, marked the end of the British rule in 1947, where a free and independent nation, India was born. It also marks the anniversary of partition of our motherland into two countries, India & Pakistan.

Let us now travel back in history. The Britishers came in as traders and gradually settled down in all parts of our country. They then took charge slowly, and spread their influence in every nook and corner our country. They harassed my forefathers and looted my country. We managed to drive them out finally in 1947, but we paid very dearly for this treasured independence. Our road to independence was not really smooth and easy. Independence day should remind each one of us of the suffering and struggle of our freedom fighters and leaders.

Mahatma Gandhi, “The Father of Our Nation” played an important role in the freedom struggle of India. His non violent ways and peaceful methods were the foundation for gaining independence from the British. His idea of peaceful satyagraha, helped the oppressed people. On this day we remember the great freedom fighters like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpatrai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rani Laxmibhai, who played important roles in helping us to gain freedom from the aggressive Britishers. The common man too suffered pain and hardships during the pre independence years. We should respect and acknowledge their sacrifices. It is because of their sacrifices and their struggles, that we enjoy our Independence today.

For the past seventy two years, 15th of August is celebrated as a National Festival. Patriotic songs rent the air from early morning in every bylanes and streets of our vast nation. People hoist our National Flag, which is followed by the rendition of our National Anthem. A pledge to be united is taken by all of us. Sweets are distributed, and various cultural programmes are held. Throughout the day TV channels broadcast programs related to India’s independence. We as youngsters feel very emotional and blessed.

I hope and pray that my generation will truly uphold the values of this treasured independence.

Basil Paul Olickel, III-D, Carmel School