Independence Day: Historic places that ignite nationalism

India got independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. And to attain this freedom, many brave hearts sacrificed their lives. We owe a lot to those who lived selfless lives to give us an independent nation and an identity. And hence by visiting some of the historic places that symbolise our strength and courage, we must pay respect to those who made this day possible.

Let’s visit some of the places that will narrate the incidents of the long past.

Red Fort, Delhi

This historic monument witnesses the Prime Minister of India hoisting the National Flag and addressing the nation 15 August, year after year.

Jallianwalah Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab

The Jallianwalah Bagh retells the story of the non-violent protesters who were brutally massacred by the British Indian Army. The walls of the bagh still stand strong even as they display the bullet marks to tell the future generations of the atrocities meted out at innocent civilians of pre-independent India. Located close to the Darbar Sahib or the Golden Temple, the Jallianwalah Bagh is a must visit place for any patriotic Indian.

Wagah Border, Amritsar, Punjab

You cannot afford to miss the Wagah Border, about 28 kilometres from Amritsar, and situated on the historic Grand Trunk Road. This is the place which witnesses humanity from both India and Pakistan flaunting their patriotism with loud cheers for their respective border security forces. The Flag Lowering ceremony takes places every evening. It’s a content of one-upmanship. Go and cheer for our BSF jawans who make us feel secure round the clock.

Rani ka Qila in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

This iconic fort atop a hill called Bangira, witnessed the daredevilry displayed by Rani Lakshmi Bai as she fought the tyrant British East India Company soon after the first seeds of India’s revolutionary freedom struggle were sowed.

The Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Now converted into a museum, the walls of the cellular jail echo the painful stories of the brave hearts who sacrificed their all to fight for the freedom of our motherland. This jail wall use to hold revolutionaries imprisoned.

Chandra Shekhar Azad Park in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh

The Company Garden or Alred Park is also known as Chandra Shekhar Azad Park. This is the place where the great Indian freedom fighter chose to end his own life by firing the last bullet from his pistol. He had vowed never to be held captive by the British and when he was over numbered by them, he chose to end his life rather than being killed by them. A memorial has been constructed here to commemorate his greatness.

Jallianwalah Bagh, Rani Ka Qila, Cellular Jail- Pic courtesy: Thinkstock Photos.