What Mahatma Gandhi was doing on 15 August, 1947, the day India got Independence? This was the question to the students of various High Schools and Colleges in the Capital City. Out of 21 students, none could give a factual report about the activities of Gandhiji on that fateful day, which was celebrated with pomp and show. These Gen-X gave several replies like Gandhji was celebrating Independence Day by unfurling National Flag at Lal Killa, Gandhiji was at New Delhi distributing sweets and receiving his supporters, which was totally contrast to what the father of nation was doing on that auspicious day. In fact all were clueless. India celebrated her hard-own freedom on 15 August, 1947 with pomp and show. There were celebrations galore in the entire country and Pandit Jawaharlala Nehru gave the historical speech ‘Tryst With Destiny’ after forming his Ministry. However Gandhiji was at pain due to division of India on 15 August, 1947 and he silently stayed Hyderi Manjil, known as Gandhi Bhawan at Kolkatta. He pitted his soul against the madness of communal hatred and tried to calm both Hindus and Muslims, who were pitted against each other during that period. Gandhiji never wanted partition of India, so he spent his day in fasting and prayer. Earlier on 14 August, while speaking at a function at Kolkata, Gandhiji lamented saying tomorrow India will be divided into two parts- India and Pakistan. “So I cannot rejoice on 15 August and cannot deceive you”, Gandhji opened his heart in presence of an august audience. So while India was celebrating, Gandhji spent his entire day in fasting, praying, spinning and he spent a sleepless night on the fateful day. He was at pains and could not sleep entire night of 15 August, 1947. His feeling was that such a division will pave the path for future conflicts between India and Pakistan, which later came true.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 03:50:54 +0000
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