Lighting up the library for India Independence Day

Thursday 15 August 2024

The national flag of India, featuring three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra (24-spoke wheel) in the centreAfter sunset on Thursday 15 August, the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up orange, white and green to mark India Independence Day.

India’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15 August to commemorate the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.

This day marks the implementation of the Indian Independence Act, which transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly.

Initially, India retained King George VI as head of state until it became a republic on 26 January 1950, with the adoption of the Constitution of India.

The independence movement, led by the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi, was characterized by non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.

Independence also brought about the partition of British India into two dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to widespread violence and the displacement of nearly 15 million people.

On 15 August 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. This tradition continues with the incumbent Prime Minister addressing the nation.

The celebrations include flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the country, and the event is broadcast by Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster.

For more information, visit the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav website.


Article published 14 August 2024


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