🇮🇳 India's struggle for freedom. 🇮🇳

Tomorrow was the 77th anniversary of India's independence from almost 200 years long British rule. 

🔘 But what is the proper definition of Independence? 

Independence is a profound concept that goes beyond mere dictionary definitions.

 independence signifies freedom — the freedom to make choices, express thoughts, and shape one's destiny without being controlled or restricted by external forces. It's the liberation from any form of dominance, whether it be political, social, or economic, that inhibits individual or collective growth.

Imagine a majestic bird soaring through the vast expanse of the sky. Its wings unfurled, and it glided with grace, guided by its instincts. This bird embodies independence. Similarly, on a larger scale, independence for a nation means the ability to chart its course, define its identity, and pursue its goals without being beholden to the dictates of external powers.

In essence, independence is a beacon of hope that guides individuals and nations towards self-realization.

So, when we celebrate Independence Day or reflect upon the significance of independence, let's remember that it's not just a word — it's a symphony of aspirations, struggles, and triumphs. It's a reminder that the human spirit yearns to break free from constraints, spread its wings, and soar to new heights of possibility.

🔘 How did India get independence? 

The journey towards India's independence was a remarkable and arduous one, marked by decades of relentless struggle, strategic diplomacy, and the unwavering determination of its leaders and citizens. 

The story begins with the British East India Company's establishment of trading posts in India in the early 1600s, which gradually transformed into colonial rule by the mid-18th century. Slowly as they expanded their trade operations, the British started forming colonies. Penetrating deep into Indian politics, the imperialists took advantage of the infighting between the ruling royalty in different states, pitting one against the other by taking sides and offering protection. To monitor the activities of the company, the British government installed the first governor-general of India, Warren Hastings, who laid the administrative foundation for subsequent British consolidation. The East India Act of 1784 was passed to dissolve the monopoly of the East India Company and put the British government in charge.

The British took thriving industries -like textiles, shipbuilding, and steel, and destroyed them through violence, taxes, import tariffs, and imposing their exports and products on the back of the Indian consumer. They taxed the Indian peasantry at a level unknown under any other rulers, and through torture and cruelty, they extracted vast sums of money which they shipped off to England.

As the 19th century progressed, Indians begins to voice their dissatisfaction with British policies and exploitation. The sepoy mutiny of 1857, often referred to as the First War of Independence marked a turning point as it demonstrates the growing unity and resilience among Indians against British oppression. However, the British government tighten its grip on India after suppressing the rebellion. 

First forward to the early 20th century, the national congress emerged as a prominent platform for advocating for Indian rights and self-governance. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Dadavai Naoroji played pivotal roles in articulating Indian grievances and calling for reforms. 

The turning point came with World War I, which strained British resources and forced them to seek Indian support. The British promised greater autonomy in exchange for Indian support in the war effort. However, the post-war years saw the British backtrack on their promises, leading to widespread discontentment. 

 Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi, the Father of the Indian independence movement, pioneered the concept of nonviolent resistance or satyagraha. His philosophy centred on achieving change through passive resistance, civil disobedience, and self-sacrifice. This approach aimed to expose the unjust nature of British rule and create moral pressure on the colonial administration. His Salt March in 1930, where he and his followers walked 240 miles to the Arabian Sea to produce salt in defiance of the British salt monopoly, become an iconic symbol of peaceful resistance. 

The years leading up to world war vII saw increased demands for self-rule or Independence. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a charismatic and fiercely determined leader, emerged as a prominent figure. Bose believed that a confrontation with the British was necessary to secure India's freedom. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) and collaborated with Japan to wage war against the British.

Bose's INA sought to mobilize Indian soldiers who were captured by the Japanese in southeast Asia, to liberate India from the eastern front. This move resonated with many Indians who felt a strong desire to actively engage in the struggle for independence. Bose's efforts, though controversial due to his association with Japan, injected a sense of urgency and militancy into the movement.

The Quit India Movement of 1942 was another significant milestone. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement called for an immediate end to British rule in India. It sparked widespread protests and civil unrest, leading to mass arrests and a heightened spirit of rebellion. The British response to the movement exposed the cracks in their colonial hold, and it marked a turning point in India's path towards independence.

The combination of these various efforts, both nonviolent and militant, created an atmosphere of unrest that the British found increasingly difficult to control. Their resources were strained by the effects of World War II, and the growing sentiment for independence further weakened their grip on the subcontinent.

In 1947, recognizing the inevitability of India's independence, the British government decided to transfer power. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and others, played a crucial role in negotiating with the British to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.

On August 15, 1947, India finally achieved independence, marking the end of nearly two centuries of British colonial rule. The tireless efforts of countless freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's dynamic approach, paved the way for this historic moment. However, this historic achievement was accompanied by the partition of India and Pakistan, leading to one of the largest mass migrations in history and widespread violence. 

In conclusion, India's path to independence was a multifaceted journey that involved a spectrum of strategies and leaders. The contributions of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, each with their distinct approaches, were instrumental in breaking the chains of British colonialism and granting India its hard-earned freedom. Their legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of determination, unity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.