Freedom

Before Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call for ‘Quit India’, a small village in Karnataka’s Shivamogga had already dared to dream of freedom. Here's the story of Issuru's fight for independence.

As President Ram Nath Kovind addresses the nation on the eve of India's 72nd Republic Day, we look back at five presidential speeches that talk about the pursuit of core ideals that the makers of our Constitution had spelt out.

From attending a concert featuring legendary Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to celebrating through films, check out these special online Independence Day events!

"I remember her looking to me and saying ‘look how many people are here, I think India is going to be alright’.”

In August 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi called for the Quit India movement, a tiny village down south in Karnataka’s Shivamogga had already decided to break free. But it did, becoming the first village in India to declare itself independent. #LostTales #history

He may have been mocked as a 'half-naked seditious fakir', but his iconic makeover went on to become the quintessential symbol of the common man and his spiritual strength.

Even as the day stirs up patriotic feelings in me, I always wonder what I can do to utilise it in a better manner. I am sure that many feel the same, so this year, as India enters its 72nd year of being an independent country, here are five things you can do:

Abadi Bano Begum, who later came to be known in Indian history as 'Bi Amma' was one of the important voices of the freedom struggle. At the time, she was one of the first Muslim women to participate in politics actively.

She was no trained assassin, but the 21-year-old aimed five shots at the then Bengal Governor Stanley Jackson known as ‘Jackers.'

The initiative is called Food for Freedom, and is enabling prison inmates with skills to earn a livelihood, while also satisfying the public!