Independence Day is a momentous occasion for nations around the world, symbolizing the triumph of freedom and sovereignty over colonial rule and oppression. For India, August 15 holds profound historical significance as the day it gained independence from British rule in 1947. However, India is not alone in celebrating this pivotal event on the global stage. There are a few other countries that also share August 15 as their Independence Day, each with their own unique history and journey to self-determination.
India:
On August 15, 1947, India's struggle for independence culminated in a historic moment of liberation. After decades of nonviolent resistance, led by iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, India emerged from the shackles of British colonial rule. The day is now commemorated annually with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and speeches that reflect on the nation's progress and renew the commitment to its democratic values.
South Korea:
South Korea, another country that shares August 15 as its Independence Day, emerged from a tumultuous history marked by Japanese colonial rule. It was on August 15, 1945, that Korea was finally liberated from 35 years of Japanese oppression following the end of World War II. This event laid the foundation for the eventual division of the Korean Peninsula into North and South Korea. South Korea's Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervor, including parades, concerts, and traditional performances.
North Korea
For those who don't know, North Korea celebrates National Liberation Day on August 15 every year. This day marked the end of 35 years of Japanese occupation and colonial rule over Korea, which they achieved with the help of allied forces who fought in the war. After the Korean Peninsula was liberated by the Allies in 1945, the independent Korean governments were created three years later, on August 15, 1948.
For your information, on this day in 1945, the Korean peninsula was freed from Japanese rule, after which the peninsula was divided into the two countries, as we know today—South Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Bahrain:
Bahrain, a small island nation in the Arabian Gulf, gained its independence on August 15, 1971, from British colonial rule. The country's journey to self-determination was marked by both peaceful negotiations and civil unrest. The people of Bahrain, led by prominent figures like Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, successfully negotiated the withdrawal of British forces, paving the way for a new era of sovereignty. Bahrain's Independence Day celebrations often include fireworks, concerts, and traditional events that showcase the nation's rich cultural heritage.
Congo:
In Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo also celebrates its Independence Day on August 15. In 1960, the country ended nearly 80 years of Belgian colonial rule, ushering in a new era of self-governance. The first Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, famously declared independence with a passionate speech, setting the stage for a challenging journey to nation-building. The Congo's Independence Day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and cultural displays that pay homage to its diverse ethnic groups.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, a tiny yet prosperous European country nestled in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria, doesn't have an Independence Day since it was never conquered. Nevertheless, it marks August 15 as its National Day. This date was selected because it had been a public holiday since 1940. Additionally, Prince Franz Josef II, the ruler at that time, was born on August 16. Hence, Liechtenstein's national celebration was formed by merging the public holiday and the Prince's birthday.
Also read: Independence Day 2023: How newspapers reported India's I-Day and Partition in 1947
