2 weeks ago

80th Independence Day honours India's unsung freedom fighters

India is celebrating a very special birthday.

On Saturday, August 15, the country will mark its 80th Independence Day.

This day remembers when India became free from British rule 79 years ago.

The theme this year is all about young people helping build a strong India by 2047.

For the first time, the national song Vande Mataram will be sung at the celebrations because it is 150 years old.

Thousands of people, including students and business owners, are expected to join.

The story also talks about brave men and women we don't hear about as much.

One was an old man named Veer Kunwar Singh who fought the British at almost 80 years old.

Another was 17-year-old Kanaklata Barua, who was shot while carrying the flag.

These heroes helped India become free, and we remember them too.

Key facts

Independence Day: 80th
Years since independence: 79 (freedom from British rule in 1947)
Celebration theme: Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047
Expected attendees: Around 27,000, including entrepreneurs and students
National song: Vande Mataram, marking 150 years; sung for the first time at this year's celebrations
British rule start: Battle of Plassey in 1757, nearly 200 years before independence
Birsa Munda: Died in Ranchi Jail on 9 June 1900, aged about 25
Kanaklata Barua: Killed on 20 September 1942 at age 17 while trying to hoist the flag at Gohpur Police Station

wionews.com · 2 weeks ago