New Delhi: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement or August Kranti, on August 8, 1942, in Bombay. This movement was a significant appeal by the Indian National Congress to the British to leave India for good. It demanded an orderly British withdrawal from India. On the occasion of the Quit India Movement anniversary, here are some interesting facts about the movement.
Quit India Movement: What happened on August 8, 1942?
The Beginning!
The Quit India Movement began at Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank Maidan during the All India Congress Committee session. Mahatma Gandhi delivered a speech there that stirred a strong desire for freedom among Indians, marking the start of the movement. A monument at the Maidan commemorates this historic event.
Mahatma Gandhi at start of Quit India Movement (Photo credit: X/@narendramodi)
The Cripps Mission
The movement commenced after the failure of the Cripps Mission in India. Headed by British minister Sir Stafford Cripps, the mission aimed to secure India’s support and cooperation in World War II. However, it failed for various reasons, including Gandhi’s opposition, a lack of real power transfer, and British sabotage efforts.
“Do or Die!”
Shortly after Gandhi’s historic “Do or Die” speech, almost the entire Indian National Congress (INC) was imprisoned without trial. This led to the arrest of key leaders such as Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Mahatma Gandhi.
Congress Suspended
In response to the movement, the British declared the Indian National Congress an unlawful association, leading to the arrest of many individuals, office raids, and frozen funds. The viceroy adopted a policy of brutal violence, which backfired by garnering more sympathy for the movement.
Indian Tricolour Hoisted
Despite warnings and bans, Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Indian tricolour at Gowalia Tank Maidan on August 9, 1942, during the AICC session.
Underground News
Young leaders established the Congress Radio to broadcast news, operated by Dr. Usha Mehta. They had to keep moving their broadcasting equipment to avoid capture by the British.
Students Martyred
On August 8, 1942, seven young students were shot dead by the police while trying to hoist the Indian flag at the Patna Collectorate building.
Rise of new India
The Quit India Movement led the British government to realise they could no longer control India. After World War II, India finally gained independence on August 15, 1947.
Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi in conversation at a session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Bombay (Photo credit: Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The Quit India Movement aimed to demand an immediate end to British rule in India and to establish an independent and sovereign nation. Let us learn more facts about the Quit India Movement. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
