Let the tricolour soar high: India celebrates 80th Independence Day today

India celebrates the 80th anniversary of Independence today, marking the freedom won under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country. Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad gave their lives for the nation. Bal Gangadhar Tilak declared, “Swaraj is my birthright.” Mahatma Gandhi, who learned the lessons of the freedom struggle from Gopal Krishna Gokhale, led the movement along the path of non-violence.

Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri and B R Ambedkar were among those who played leading roles in the freedom movement. Subhas Chandra Bose chose the path of armed struggle against British rule. There were countless other freedom fighters and martyrs, both known and unknown, who contributed to India's struggle for Independence.

The spirit of the freedom struggle was also strong in Kerala from the 18th century onwards. The courageous resistance and struggles of Pazhassi Raja and Velu Thampi Dalawa remain an important part of history. K Kelappan, C Kesavan, Mohammed Abdur Rahiman, Accamma Cherian, T K Madhavan, P Krishna Pillai, C V Kunhiraman and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai were among those who raised their voices and used their writings in the fight for freedom.

Malayalam writers and poets also played an important role in inspiring the people of Kerala through their works. Patriotic poems encouraged people and strengthened the spirit of the freedom movement. Vallathol Narayana Menon wrote lines calling for the national flag to fly high and urging people to feel proud whenever they heard the name of Bharat. Amshi Narayana Pillai inspired people with his famous call, “Varika Varika Sahajare, Sahanasamara Samayamayi" (Come, come, comrades, this is the time for a struggle of sacrifice).

Even after Independence, Malayalam poets continued to inspire generations with patriotic songs and poems. P Bhaskaran's famous lines beginning with “Bharathamennal Paarin Naduvil Kevalamorupidi Mannalla..." (India is not merely a handful of soil in the middle of the world) and the patriotic song “Jaya Jaya Jaya Janmabhoomi”, written by Vayalar for the film School Master, both released in 1964, remain popular among Malayalis. On this Independence Day morning, let us salute the great men and women who fought for India's freedom.