“One individual may die for an idea; but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives. That is how the wheel of evolution moves on and the ideas and dreams of one nation are bequeathed to the next.” – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
The midnight of 15th August is an unforgettable moment for every Indian, when India gained independence from the British colonial rule. It was a historical moment when on this day in the year 1947, our country India was set-free from more than 200-years old British government rule.
Independence Day is a celebration of our culmination of long struggle of freedom. 71 years ago, the dark period of slavery came to an end and India woke up after a long slumber. On the historical date of 15th August, 1947 the sovereign India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Indian tricolour flag at the glorious Red Fort. Thus, every year on 15th August, the entire country celebrates India’s Independence Day to commemorate its freedom.
This year i.e. in 2018, India will complete 71 years of Independence from the colonial rule and will proudly celebrate its 72nd Independence Day with zeal and enthusiasm.
Since 1947, this red-letter day is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country with equal fun and fervour. Several cultural programmes and events including the flag-hoisting ceremonies are held not only in schools, colleges and other educational institutions but also at local and national offices. People across the country tune into Doordarshan channel in the morning, to watch the live telecast of Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort in Delhi. They all indulge themselves in remembering the historical heroes of India’s freedom struggle and pay homage to them at the India Gate. Besides this, kite flying is an integral part of Independence Day celebrations in the country wherein the bright colourful kites fill the sky in the evening, to symbolize the spirit of freedom.
Even though 15th August is a much awaited national holiday, still we as Indians should spare out time to remember those who fought for us because of whom we are breathing in a free environment. Moreover, since this day is an occasion to celebrate India’s freedom and Independence, it is important to tell children about the historical significance and the freedom struggle, as children are the integral assets for the future of our country. Thus, to mark the special day, spend some quality time with your children during this momentous day.
Listed below are a few activity ideas and tips to celebrate India’s Independence Day which you can use to plan a memorable Independence Day for your children:
- Narrate the historical stories and the contributions of several freedom fighters, associated with India’s Independence.
- Teach them about the significance of our tri-coloured National Flag.
- Teach them and sing along India’s National Anthem and the famous patriotic songs & poems.
- Encourage your children to dress-up patriotically and accessorize the look with tricoloured badges, headgears, caps, sweatbands, bangles, scarves etc. To complete the look, paint their faces with tricolour flag.
- Together with your family and friends watch some patriotic movies such as- Rang De Basanti, Swades, Lakshya, Border etc.
- Involve your children to make some traditional cuisines adding the essence of the tri-colours saffron, white and green.
- Organise a flag-hoisting ceremony in your locality and together with the children decorate the locality with tri-coloured flags, balloons and ribbons.
- Organise a role-play activity and encourage the children of your locality to enact the role played by different freedom fighters.
- Make arrangements for competitions such as quiz contests, art & craft activities, music and dance competition on patriotic songs, kite flying etc. in your locality.
- Take your children for an outing to any historical monument such as Red Fort in New Delhi, Gateway of India in Mumbai and Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata etc..
- Buy some Independence Day mementos such as India’s Flag, Nehru Jacket, Gandhi Cap etc. for your children.
So, use the aforesaid ideas to celebrate India’s Independence Day with your children with equal zeal and enthusiasm as you celebrate other festivals, so as to give equal importance to this National celebration.
Happy Independence Day..!!
