Independence Day Speech

Respected teachers and staff, our dedicated children, and honoured guests. Thank you for giving me the privilege of talking to you today.

Today, on 15^th August 2018, Indians celebrate the 71st anniversary of independence. India gained its independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. This day is celebrated to commemorate the brave and difficult work of those people who fought against British rule, sometimes even giving their lives, allowing India to become the largest democracy in the world.

Freedom from the British was important to Indians, because the British Empire used Indian goods and labour to become richer and more powerful, without sharing these benefits with ordinary Indian people, and the laws of the British rulers kept the Indian people from achieving their potential or enjoying their full rights.

Independence became possible because of sacrifices by men like Bhagat Singh, Kadi Ram Bos, and Chandrasekhar Azad; and the work of women such as Aruna Asaf Ali, Vijay Laxmi Pandit, Sarojine Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Kamala Nehru, Annie Besant. And of course, the great work of Gandhi in teaching nonviolent organised resistance to defeat British rulers.

India is a country of millions of people, who belong to various religions, castes, cultures and traditions. Bringing independence to the people of India was a huge achievement that was only possible because of tolerance and secularism. But there is still more work to be done to bring such freedoms to all of the people of India. This is why it is so important for you all to be here, to go to school, to learn and to work hard; and it is especially good to have so many girls at school so that they can create a better India for their own daughters to live in in the future.

After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Indian Prime Minister. He raised the Indian flag at the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi, and gave a speech. This tradition has been followed by other Prime Ministers of India with flag raising ceremonies, parades, 21 gun salutes and other cultural events. Other people display the national flag on their clothes, homes or vehicles, and prepare dancing, singing, and drama events, like the event that you have all worked so hard to produce for today. Thank you so much for all of your efforts, and for welcoming us to celebrate with you.

Jai Hind!