Some interesting facts about India’s Independence Day that will surprise you

15 Aug 1947 1st flag of by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru first Prime Minister of India

The 71st Independence Day of India is around the corner and the nation is all set for celebrations. India gained independence from the British Raj on August 15, 1947, making it an important day in the history. India is truly a secular and diverse country with different religions, languages, caste, and creed living in a harmony. We all have read our freedom fighters’ struggle and sacrifice for freedom. But that are several interesting facts associated with Independence day that we are unaware of.  Here’s a list of a few that may surprise you.

• The British East India Company entered India as a trading company in 1600 to trade items such as tea, cotton, and silk. Gradually it went on to become a political ruler in the country.

• The date ‘August 15’ was chosen by the Last Viceroy and first Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten as it was the same day in 1945 that Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces at the end of the World War II.

• August 15 is celebrated as Independence Day in not only India but also in five other countries – Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Liechtenstein and Republic of Congo.

• Mahatma Gandhi had plans of disbanding the Indian National Congress after the Independence of the country. A day before his death in a draft resolution he said that since the aim has been achieved, the INC has outlived its use. He wrote: “Though split into two, India having attained political independence through means devised by the Indian National Congress, the Congress in its present shape and form, i.e., as a propaganda vehicle and parliamentary machine, has outlived its use.”

• We all know the fact that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India. But he was not always the first choice. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had the majority of votes but Nehru didn’t want to play second in command to anyone. Mahatma Gandhi had a soft spot for Nehru he requested Sardar Patel to step down.

• India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was considered as a global style icon. His popular ‘Nehru’ jacket earned him a place in Vogue magazine.

• During Independence, India didn’t have any National Anthem. Jana Gana Mana’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 and was officially adopted in 1950.

• On behalf of all the women of India, Free India’s Parliament was represented by Hansa Mehta.

• Indian rupee in 1947 was Re 1 = $ 1. Currently, Rs 69.84 = $ 1 (15 Aug 2018).

• By law, the only material to be used for making flag is ‘khadi’. Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission holds the right to manufacture the flag and allocates it to regional groups. Flying a flag made of any other material is punishable under law with three years imprisonment and a fine.