Independence Day 2024: Honoring India’s Freedom Fighters and Their Iconic Slogans

As India gears up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, it’s a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of the country’s freedom fighters. These visionary leaders not only spearheaded the struggle against British colonialism but also left an indelible imprint on the nation’s collective memory with their powerful words and slogans.

This year’s celebration, set for Thursday, embraces the theme “Viksit Bharat,” which aligns with the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, marking a century of independence.

Independence Day 1947 Speech On the eve of India’s independence in 1947, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech. His stirring words, “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom,” encapsulated the essence of the nation’s rebirth.

Iconic Slogans That Fueled the Fight for Independence:

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1906): “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.”
• Sarojini Naidu (1915): “A country’s greatness lies in its undying ideal of love and sacrifice that inspire the mothers of the race!”
• Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (1916): “Knowledge without humility is worthless.”
• Annie Besant (1917): “Freedom is the birthright of every nation.”
• Chandra Shekhar Azad (1928): “We will face the bullets of the enemy; We are free and will remain free.”
• Bhagat Singh (1928): “They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.”
• Lala Lajpat Rai (1928): “Freedom is not given; it is taken. Fight for your rights.”
• Subhash Chandra Bose (1944): “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom.”
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1940): “I am part of the indivisible unity that is Indian nationality.”
• Mahatma Gandhi (1942): “The mantra is Do or Die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of slavery.”
• Zain-ul Abideen Hasan: “Jai Hind.”
• Kaka Baptista (later adopted by Tilak): “Swaraj Mera Janamsiddh adhikar hai, aur main ise lekar rahunga” (Self-rule is my birthright, and I shall have it.)
• Lal Bahadur Shastri: “Jai Jawaan, Jai Kisaan.”
• Bismil Azimabadi (popularized by Ramprasad Bismil): “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna, Ab hamare dil mein hai.”
• Jawaharlal Nehru: “Araam Haraam hai.”

These slogans continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today.