On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi established the historic Quit India movement. Gandhiji’s clarion ring of “Do or Die” in his glorified Quit India address at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay, loaned a feeling of a hurry to the growing increase against Colonial rule the whole country standing as one. The common choice of the Indian individuals, pushed by an enthusiasm to manage themselves and shape their tomorrow, found countenance in the significant occasions that ensued, directing inevitably to the nation’s Independence on August 15, 1947. Eighty years behind Gandhiji’s call to Quit India, as India marks 75 years of Independence under the descriptive title of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, let us wait to meditate on our actions.
The meaning of the mantra of ahimsa fibs in the fact that it is embedded in our wonderful country’s artistic and civilisational ethos. During our independence campaign, catchphrases like “Vande Mataram”, “Jai Hind”, “Inquilab Zindabad”, or vital signs like charkha, rakhi, salt or khadi served as a critical point for the groups. Mahatma Gandhi was expertly backed by a universe of outstanding supervisors and thousands of less-known freedom warriors who courageously battled for India’s Independence, including multiple who selflessly offered their energies for the more significant cause, bound by the principle of non-violence. It was indeed an unusual sensation in the annals of the human past.
Of course, there were brilliant abnormalities such as Prithviraj Chauhan, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Alluri Seeta Rama Raju, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Lachit Borphukan and Rani Abbakka, among others. However, as history informs us, these stories of bravery, determination and patriotic enthusiasm were localised and few and far between. Yet, neither the invaders nor the following colonisers, who attempted to hit at the origins of India’s old civilisation by operating different standards, could sever the line of artistic and civilisational continuity that ties our great country.
In the 75 years of its trip as a free country, India has notched up an extensive collection of outstanding accomplishments. We must tighten inspiration from our long-drawn liberation effort, a voyage of strength and longing. It is a trip that encourages us to keep putting higher standards in all globes of human work and stay attentive in times of trouble. We have an extensive collection of human help, among the most qualified globally.
Our hard-earned Swaraj must crack into Suraj at the grassroots, and the conditions of deprivation, illiteracy, gender bias, criminality and inequalities of all shades must be stomped out. Outstanding and fair management is the key to growth if we build a genuinely egalitarian community that draws all injustices.
Ancient Indian culture was one whose artistic ethos was saturated with the concept of equality, harmony and inclusivity. Today, climate adaptation is a global sensation. Protection is our only longing for the earth’s survival, and we must demand our collaborative points toward this end with evangelist enthusiasm. Our scriptures reflect the divine image of our ancient civilisation. They are packed with illustrations of religious adoration in the features — rivers, peaks, sacred plants and trees.
In other terms, we must keep nature and save our civilisation for a bright tomorrow. An unjust, surpassing feeling of love for Bharat Mata ties us all when we tell the magnificent steps of our independence campaign.