It's India's 75th Independence Day. It's a day of patriotism, a day we remember the struggle of lakhs and thousands to rid the country of British tyranny. Since the first revolution of 1857, India's freedom fighters took it upon themselves to inspire others to participate in the fight for independence, a responsibility that gave rise to a number of slogans that evoke in us a strong sense of patriotism even today.
Here are some of the most memorable slogans from India's independence struggle.
"Jai Hind"
The slogan "Jai Hind" is known to have been coined by "Netaji" Subhash Chandra Bose. Though there is some contention that it was actually coined by his secretary in Germany. The term was adopted as a national slogan by Independent India. The Jai Hind postmark was also the first commemorative postmark of Free India. It was issued on the day of India's independence on 15 August, 1947. Today, "Jai Hind" is a salutation we hear at political meetings and even school functions.
"Vande Mataram"
Like "Jai Hind", "Vande Mataram" is another slogan from our Independence time we hear at a number of gatherings today. It translates to, "Mother, I bow to you." More than just a song and slogan coined by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, it was an oath that added vigour and a stronger dose of patriotism to the freedom struggle. In his poem, Chatterjee personified India as a mother during the Indian national movement. Between 1905 and 1947, people shouted "Vande Mataram" first as a patriotic slogan and then as a battle cry.
"Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it"
"Swaraj mera janamsiddh adhikar hai, aur main ise lekar rahunga," were the famous words of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. A social reformer, lawyer and the first leader of India's independence movement, he was one of the most influential freedom fighters of his times.
He made this statement in Belgaum in 1916, when he founded the Indian Home Rule League. His words instilled patriotism among his followers and inspired countless others to join the freedom struggle without holding back.
"Give me blood and I will give you freedom"
Literally translated from what Subhash Chandra Bose said: "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Mai Tumhe Azadi Dunga." He made this statement in Burma (now Myanmar ) in 1944 to the Indian National Army, urging the youth of India to take part in the freedom struggle with him. His words were aimed at inspiring and motivating them to fight more actively for the country and be willing to sacrifice their lives for India's freedom.
"Karo, ya maro"
Do, or die, said Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi. The Father of the Nation delivered this speech after a meeting of the All India Congress Committee on 7 August, 1942, a day before the Quit India resolution, declaring an immediate end of British Rule in India. "Mere jail jaane se kuch nahi hoga; karo ya maro," which loosely translates to either we shall free India, or die in the attempt.
