84 years of Quit India Movement; nation remembers historic call for freedom

NEW DELHI: The country will observe the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement today, marking the historic struggle launched under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership at Mumbai's Gowalia Tank Maidan on August 8, 1942. The movement played a decisive role in India's struggle for independence from British rule.

"Do or Die" was the slogan-like message Gandhi gave to the freedom fighters during the movement.

The movement was declared at the All India Congress Committee's Mumbai session, with Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan, serving as the venue. One of the key proposals was to form an interim Indian government after the British withdrawal.

On August 9, 1942, Gandhi and prominent Congress leaders were arrested in a mass crackdown. With the leaders imprisoned, people from different sections of society, including students and workers, took to the streets in protest.

Although the British government managed to suppress the agitation through force, the movement conveyed to the world that British colonial rule in India would not last much longer.

Commemorative events planned in Delhi, Mumbai

Several programmes will be held in Delhi to mark the occasion. Freedom fighters will be honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a floral tribute at Gandhi's memorial at Rajghat.

A historical exhibition featuring rare documents related to the Quit India Movement will be held at the National Archives Museum. A commemorative ceremony will also be held at August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai.