We live in the 21st century and as millennials we all have heard so many stories while growing up about our independence. Before Captain America and Spider-Man, we all knew heroes like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandra Shekhar Azad and others who made our chests fill with pride. Independence Day in India is celebrated on August 15 every year as our nation's victory over the British rule. On this day, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. Many violent, as well as non-violent measures, were adapted to make this nation we live in, free. Our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian flag at the Lahori Gate in Red Fort, New Delhi on this day 71 years ago.
As we enter the 72nd year of Independence, here are some interesting facts that are still unknown to many. Here is the list of five unknown facts about India's Independence Day that everyone must know:
• Lord Mountbatten insisted on August 15 as the Independence Day of India because this day is also commemorated as the British allied force victory over Japan during World War II.
• This day is not only celebrated as the Independence Day only in India but in five other countries such as Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Congo.
• Mahatma Gandhi wanted to dissolve the Indian National Congress after the Independence. Till the last day of his life, he drafted a document stating that the INC has achieved its aim and should be disbanded now.
• At the time of independence, we did not have any National Anthem. Our current National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was crafted by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 and was officially adopted in 1950.
• We all might think that the Indian Flag was first hoisted on August 15, 1947. But the truth is that it was first hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta.
All the Indians across this globe celebrate this day with pride. The school and college students commemorate Independence Day usually by flag hoisting and with some patriotic performances. As an Indian, it's a day of pride, freedom and remembering those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.