News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
As India gears up to celebrate Independence Day 2024 with the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ aimed at highlighting the vision of a developed nation by 2047, a lingering question has emerged: Is this year marking India’s 77th or 78th Independence Day? Despite the excitement surrounding this historic day, the confusion about the exact number of anniversaries often arises, leaving many uncertain about the correct count.
India’s independence from British colonial rule was officially achieved on August 15, 1947, after enduring 200 years of subjugation. This momentous occasion has been commemorated annually since then, with each year marking the progress and achievements of a free nation. The first anniversary of India’s independence was celebrated on August 15, 1948, marking one complete year of freedom. Based on this timeline, by 2024, India will have completed 77 years of independence, leading many to refer to this year as the 77th anniversary of Independence Day.
However, there is another perspective to consider. When we count from the actual year of independence, 1947, August 15, 2024, marks the 78th observance of this historic event. This means that while 77 full years of independence have been completed, the nation will be celebrating its 78th Independence Day. This distinction between the years completed and the number of observances can cause confusion, but it is accurate to state that India will observe its 78th Independence Day in 2024, commemorating 77 years of freedom since the country’s liberation.
The distinction is subtle yet significant, helping to clarify the passage of time and the number of Independence Days observed since India’s emancipation from British rule. While some might refer to it as the 77th anniversary, it is equally correct to acknowledge that it is the 78th Independence Day observance.
As the country approaches this important day, preparations are in full swing. The government has launched the annual “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, a national initiative that encourages every Indian household to hoist the national flag. This campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been embraced across the nation, with chief ministers in BJP-ruled states conducting rallies and other events to promote it. The campaign symbolizes unity and patriotism, bringing the spirit of Independence Day to every corner of the country.
On August 15, the festivities will begin with Prime Minister Modi raising the national flag at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. This will be followed by his 11th consecutive Independence Day address at 7:30 AM. The address, which is eagerly awaited each year, will be broadcast live on Doordarshan, streamed on the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) YouTube channel, and shared across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) via @PIB_India and the PMO Twitter handle.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi is expected to reflect on India’s past achievements, outline future goals, and pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. The address will be followed by a grand parade that showcases India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. The celebration will continue into the evening, with key buildings and monuments illuminated in the national colors, adding to the festive atmosphere.
As the nation prepares to celebrate this significant day, whether referred to as the 77th or 78th Independence Day, the spirit of patriotism and pride in India’s journey as a free nation remains unwavering.
