Think of 15 August (Independence Day), and the first thing that comes to mind are the numerous sacrifices of our freedom fighters. While we all grew up reading about their stories, there are still some facts which are unknown, and some which amaze us. Read on to know seven such interesting things about India’s independence journey:
- India is not the only country which celebrates its independence day on August 15. North Korea, South Korea, Bahrain, Liechtenstein and Republic of the Congo too became independent on the same day.
- Lord Mountbatten, the Last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, chose 15 Aug as independence day as on this day in 1945, Japan had surrendered to the Allied Forces (which he commanded) in World War II.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as the first Prime Minister of free India at 8.30 a.m. on August 15, 1947.
- Pt Nehru was considered a global style icon; and was featured in Vogue magazine. His single-breasted jacket, popularly known as ‘Nehru jacket’ was a craze among the west.
- Hindi is not India’s national language, but its official language. In fact, India does not have a national language. It has 22 official languages; and all of them carry equal official status. Government documents can be in any of these languages. Hindi, however, is the predominant language of the central government.
- At the time of India’s independence, there was no National Anthem. Although ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911, it was officially adopted as national anthem only in 1950.
- Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission is the only organisation which holds the right to manufacture Indian flag. Also, khadi is the only material to be used for making a flag. Flying a flag made of any other material is punishable under law.
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