The Birth of a Sovereign Nation (August 15, 1947)
After decades of struggle, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This marked the end of nearly 200 years of British rule in the subcontinent.
India became a free country. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his historic speech at the Red Fort, welcoming the "tryst with destiny."
Independence came with a heavy price. The country was divided into two nations: India and Pakistan. This led to one of the largest human migrations in history and tragic communal violence.
Despite the challenges of partition, India began its journey as the world's largest democracy. A new Constitution was drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, laying the foundation for a modern, secular nation.