How it felt to finally have Independence

Independence day means different things to different people. For the two younger generations that have only heard about about the significance of the day from their elders, it is more of a fairytale scenario, as we finally made our "tryst with destiny". So, we decided to speak to people who not only experienced the moment independence was declared, but also played a part in it.

B.K. Viswanatha Rao, a retired principal living in Bangalore who participated in the Quit India Movement, describes 15th August 1947 with excitement:

"I was 20 years old, a school teacher in Mysore, and at that time it was still called "Mysore state". Though the King did not participate in the celebrations, we had a wonderful day. We hoisted the national flag and for the first time saw helicopters drop flowers on it. It was glorious. Right after that as I was influenced by Gandhiji’s ideas, I joined a board to teach in rural schools and give back to my country."

Col. K.R.Murty from Vishakapatnam recalls his Independence experience and provides many detailed insights:

"I was 16 years old and on Independence Day, I was awarded a scholarship by the then British collector of Vishakapatnam, who did not salute the Indian flag as it was hoisted. I did not realise the significance of this but people made a furore over it. I had very little knowledge then about the rule but a couple of years later when I read more, I began to understand the impact the Britishers had on Indian society and how it had influenced so many Indians."

Kokila Nandkishore who was arrested during the 1942 Quit India Movement talks about her experiences which are still very clear in her mind:

"Unfortunately on August 15th,1947 I was in a sanatorium in Miraj, recovering from an illness but we knew that Independence was coming as talks had been going on for 5 years, since 1942. Having taken part in those movements, we were expecting Independence anytime. Our family had close ties with Gandhiji and I remember attending his talks in Mumbai which were very inspirational. Though I was cut off from the outside world at the time, I was very happy.

Indira Srinivasan who was just 11 years old during the time recalls the wonderful occasion:

"It was fantastic. Everybody was out on the streets rejoicing. Though I was very young, the feeling was wonderful. People were holding hands and being friendly to each other, it was just beautiful."

Share your Independence day stories from 1947, whether it’s your own or you heard it from your parents and grandparents, we would love to hear from you.