BY. MD IMRAN
Every year, the dawn of 15th August marks an unforgettable chapter in history. This is the day when, after centuries of struggle, India achieved independence on 15th August 1947. Independence was not a gift, but the result of countless sacrifices and relentless efforts.
The tale of freedom is deeply tied to the sacrifices of our heroes. The British established their dominance in India after the Battle of Plassey in 1757, gradually tightening their grip. But the people of India never accepted slavery and always stood against oppression.
The first major spark of the freedom struggle was lit in 1857, when Indian soldiers and citizens rebelled against British tyranny. Though this struggle did not succeed, it sowed the seeds of freedom in the nation’s heart.
In the 20th century, the freedom movement took on new momentum. Mahatma Gandhi led the way with non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements, shaking the foundations of the colonial empire. At the same time, revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence. In 1928, revolutionaries raised their voice against the Simon Commission, and on 23rd March 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev embraced martyrdom in Lahore, becoming immortal in history.
The Quit India Movement of 1942 proved to be another turning point in the freedom struggle. Millions of Indians united under the slogan “Do or Die.” People endured prison sentences, torture, and even death, but did not retreat from the path of independence.
It was the sacrifices of these martyrs and the tireless struggles of the nation that ultimately led to the dawn of freedom on 15th August 1947. However, independence also came with the tragedy of partition, in which millions lost their lives and countless families were torn apart. Even so, the joy of freedom remained a defining moment in history.
Independence Day is not only a reminder of the sacrifices of our ancestors, but also a call for us to protect and strengthen this hard-earned freedom. The sacrifices of the martyrs are a guiding light, teaching us that freedom is priceless and must be preserved at any cost.
Today, as we salute the tricolour, we must also bow our heads in respect to those countless martyrs whose sacrifices secured our tomorrow. The story of India’s independence remains a living testimony to the greatest sacrifices of humanity.
