On the midnight of 15th August 1947, when most of the people of the country were sleeping, India was writing the story of its independence. Due to the contribution of thousands and millions of people, India became free from 200 years of slavery on this day. On 15th August 2024, the country will become the 78th Independence Day He will celebrate.
In such a situation, it is important for people to know why the British government chose the date of 15 August to give independence to India. Apart from this, it is also important to know why the country’s independence was announced at midnight. Let us tell you in detail in this article today.
15th August was very special
In fact, when India became free from British rule, Lord Mountbatten was the Viceroy and Governor-General. Mountbatten believed in luck. He believed that the date of 15 August was lucky for him.
This is because on this date, i.e. 15 August 1945, the Japanese army surrendered. Mountbatten was the commander of the Allied Forces at that time. He is counted among the heroes of this victory. This is the reason why when the matter of giving independence to India was discussed, Mountbatten chose the date of 15 August.
Why did we get freedom at midnight?
There were many reasons behind giving independence at midnight. One of the reasons was the partition of Pakistan and India. Actually, the big leaders of that time and the British government were afraid that if independence was given during the day and India and Pakistan were divided, it could lead to riots and it would be difficult to control law and order. That is why midnight was chosen for independence.
The other argument given is that Pakistan got independence a day before India, i.e. on 14 August. Viceroy Lord Mountbatten had to go to Karachi on 14 August for transfer to Pakistan and had to return to India late at night. This is the reason why it was decided that India would be given independence at midnight.
But facts show that the British government had announced that both Pakistan and India would become independent at the same time, i.e. on 15 August 1947 at Zero Hour. This is why India’s independence was announced at midnight in New Delhi.
read this also: In this part of the country, Independence Day is celebrated on 16th August and not 15th, the reason will surprise you
