Nation observed 76th anniversary of Quit India movement

• The 76th anniversary of Quit India movement was observed across India on August 8, 2018. On this day in 1942, father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous clarion call of ‘Do or Die’ to all Indians to drive the British away from the country.

What is Quit India Movement?

• Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank Maidan also known as August Kranti Maidan is the place where Mahatma Gandhi delivered his speech marking the beginning of the Quit India Movement. Mahatma along with other leaders gathered here on August 8 and 9, 1942. The maidan also houses a monument as a tribute to the historical event.
• In his speech at Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank, Gandhiji called the nation to ‘Do or Die’ in his speech. Within hours of the speech, almost the entire INC was imprisoned without trial.
• Several national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abdul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were arrested.
• The Congress was declared an unlawful association, leaders were arrested and its offices all over the country were raided and their funds were frozen.
• The first half of the movement was peaceful with demonstrations and processions. The peaceful protest was carried till Mahatma Gandhi’s release.
• The second half of the movement was violent with raids and setting fire at post offices, government buildings and railway stations. Lord Linlithgow adopted the policy of violence.
• The Viceroy’s Council of Muslims, Communist Party and Americans supported Britishers.
• After the arrest of major leaders, young Aruna Asaf Ali presided over the AICC session. Despite several police warnings and government notices for banning public processions and assemblies, a large crowd gathered at Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank Maidan where Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the flag.
• The final phase of the movement was marked on September 1942 where mobs getting together and bombings in government places of Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh.
• The British refused to grant immediate independence and stated that it could only be granted after the war ended. Finally, India got independence in 1947.

By: Vishal