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You are here: Home / Culture / June 30th… India’s Independence Day?

June 30th… India’s Independence Day?

August 15, 2016 By Vibrant South Asian

As over one billion Indian’s celebrate India’s freedom from British rule on August 15th, we can’t help but think about how one man’s personal moment of glory dictated the date that will forever be a part of a nation’s history.  The last viceroy of India, Louis Mountbatten originally declared that transfer of power by June 30th, 1948.  However, realizing that a declaration of independence that far out would likely yield revolt and bloodshed, leaving little to no power for transfer, Lord Mountbatten moved the date up to August 15th, 1947.   When asked why the date was chosen, his response was that he knew he had to choose a date in August or September, but then chose August 15th as it aligned to the date Japan surrendered to the allies in 1945.  Coincidentally, during that time he was the Supreme Allied Commander of South-East Asia Command.

Eleven days before returning independence to India, Lord Mountbatten works with his advisors to divide India peaceably. New Delhi, India, August 4th, 1947. (David Douglas Duncan)

The Congress Party led by Jawaharlal Nehru had declared January 26th as India’s independence day and people continued to celebrate this day until the official independence from British rule. After August 15th, 1947, the process to adopt a constitution began and was put into place January 26th, 1950, celebrated as Republic Day.

Click here to learn more about India’s government system.

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Vibrant South Asian aims to build bridges between the people in South Asia, people of South Asian descent abroad and non-South Asians.

Education is our core focus. We will educate the Colorado community about the region through stories on our website and local events and programs. As we grow, we will enable education for those without access in South Asia by building libraries that serve as centers for learning. Through your support, we can achieve our goals.

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