15 AUGUST ANIL SAMARTH Every country has a list of important dates with special significance. In India’s national calendar, 15 August and 26 January are very significant dates because these dates make a mark with political independence. Now let us consider definition of the word National and Independence. Our planet has a vast human population with multiple varieties of cultures, languages, costumes, religions etc. We all are different and yet we are all together, we all are One. India is a very rich and detailed record of past, we are aware of it. The people of the subcontinent called India, lived together with wars and in peace as well. But we had never become One to be called Nation. Let us take the example of the word India. This word is not an Indian expression. It is derived from Indus, from river Sindhu. The original word for country, is Bharat, the name of a legendary noble king Bharat. For centuries the people lived together in peace, with mutual help, they enjoyed freedom according to their tradition, then came a breakthrough when strangers/foreigners invaded Bharat enslaved the local population. The period of enslavement went on for centuries and the people began to inspire for liberation/freedom. Bengal had great contribution for Indian Independence movement, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose and his Azad Hind Fauz were in the forefront. Persons like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and their hundreds colleagues made Indians conscious of Nation hood and freedom. There was no feeling of animosity or hatred against anybody. Gandhi and Nehru were strong champions of Non-Violence. After a long struggle and suffering, Bharat saw the dawn of freedom.

15 August 1947, India became equal and respected member of the world council of free countries. On 26 January, India became officially Republic. Let us firmly resolve to perform our duties and responsibilities as law abiding citizens of our planet. India has two songs manifesting our mission in the World: The National Song of India VANDE MATARM by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and the National Anthem JANA GANA MANA by Rabindranath Tagore. Both Poets laurates from Bengal are highly appreciated and respected as our Cultural Icons.