Indian Independence Day 2017

When you go on your volunteering trip to India, it is important to learn some of the important milestones in the country’s history.

For example: Today, August 15, is India’s Independence Day.

70 years ago, Partition came into effect, dividing British India into two new, independent countries: India and Pakistan.

In the 1920’s, Mahatma Gandhi was established as the leader of the Indian independence movement. His belief in civil rights and non-violent struggle inspired a generation. 

In 1942 India’s Congress launched the “Quit India” movement. Weakened by WWII, Britain could not resist Indian independence any longer.

Then in 1947 India finally gained its independence.

Here are some ways India’s Independence Day was celebrated today:

Google has a new Google Doodle on its Indian homepage. The doodle is a motif of the Indian Parliament, a symbolic wheel for the Ashok Chakra, the country’s national bird – the peacock – and making it all come alive in shades of colours from the national flag:

India Independence Day Philadelphia

 

Habib Bakery in Dubai made a giant Indian Independence Day cake:

India Independence Day Philadelphia

 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi mingled with the people in Delhi at the Red Fort:

India Independence Day Philadelphia

 

Back here in Philadelphia this weekend, The PECO Multicultural Festival Series featured the Festival of India at Penn’s Landing:

India Independence Day Philadelphia