Today is the 68th Independence Day of our country. Today when I saw the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, I became nostalgic. I was reminded of the 1st Independence Day of our country. I was twelve years old at that time.I vividly remember the joy, enthusiasm, and intense emotionalism that every one experienced. The spirit of patriotism was evident in every body's face. I was studying in Vasanta School for Women in seventh class. I was in the hostel. Special caps, depicting tri colours of the national flag were stitched and gifted to all the girls.. The whole day we sang patriotic songs. One of the songs is still fresh in my memory. I remember the wordings, "Jhanda ooncha rahe hamara, veeron ko harshane wala".The hostel was pulsating with slogans in favour of Independence Day.We waited till mid night to hear Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru's speech, "tryst with destiny." Those days there was no TV. A single Radio was kept in the hall and all the teachers and children were seated in the hall to 'hear' the speech. Oh God, this sort of occasion comes only once in a life time.The hostel was pulsating with slogans in favour of Independence
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On this day we pay tribute to our great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sarojini Naidu and many others who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. It was on this day in 1947 Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the constituent assembly in Parliament, delivering his famous eloquent speech announcing the tryst with destiny freedom of India at midnight. This announcement raised the fervour and excitement of the whole house. It was applauded with joint clapping raising the spirits of the whole country. It was a historic day, as after three hundred years of struggle the country became free. It was the night of celebration all over the country.
On Independence Day major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and the tricolour flutters. Annually addressing the nation by the Prime Minister of the country, is part of the celebrations.
The struggle for India's Independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut. Later, in the 20th century, the Indian National Congress and other political organisations, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, launched a countrywide independence movement.
Finally the struggle of about 300 years came to an end.Such events come only once in the life time. We were fortunate that we saw the whole country drenched in happiness and excitement.
Even though we have entered 68th year of Independence, Ours is a young nation. The country is still on the path of progress.Only with hard work, dedication and unity, we can aspire to be at the top in all spheres of development.
Written in response to Write Tribe Pro Blogger week 3 day 15
pics courtesy google
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories! I can't begin to imagine how soul stirring that moment must have been. Just reading your account gives me goosebumps! Jai Hind!
ReplyDeleteThank you Corinne.Yes it was a moment of exhilaration,which will always remain fresh in my memory.
DeleteThanks for sharing these special memories. What an experience it must have been! Vande Mataram!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beloo, The memory of that day still fresh in my memory.
DeleteWow Mam! Just reading your experience gives me goosebumps! I can only imagine how you must have felt! Jai Hind!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shalini.Those days the atmosphere was really surcharged.
DeleteYour post made me nostalgic Ma'am. How I wish I lived in the era when Pandit-ji addressed the nation. We shouldn't take our freedom for granted. I-Day is such an emotional moment for all of us.
ReplyDeleteJai Hind
Yes Vishal.Those days are memorable. Once (In 1962) I went to Teen Murti, Pt. Nehru's residence, to give donation on behalf of my Department.I will write about it some day. Only problem is the photographs are missing.
DeleteI really enjoyed your memories. Jhanda ooncha I think is still sung.Thank you ma'am for this post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sarala.for reading my old experiences. Yes this song is still very popular.
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