India Gate in New Delhi, India

© Ashish Shashidharan/iStock/Getty Image

The dawn of a new beginning. Indian Independence Day

India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day – the day that reminds every Indian about the dawn of a new beginning, the beginning of an era of deliverance from the clutches of British colonialism of more than 200 years. It was on August 15, 1947, that India was declared independent from British colonialism, and the reins of control were handed over to the leaders of the country.

On our homepage today, we are showing you the India Gate illuminated in tricolour - saffron, white, and green. It is a war memorial built in Delhi to commemorate the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. It also has an eternal flame, called Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier), which burns for all fallen soldiers of India’s wars and conflicts. The monument holds much significance not only as a tourist attraction but also as a symbol of nationalism.

India's gaining of independence was a tryst with destiny, as the struggle for freedom was a long and tiresome one, witnessing the sacrifices of many freedom fighters, who laid down their lives on the line. Today, we pay homage to all our freedom fighters and pledge to take our country to newer heights of glory. Happy Independence Day!