British India was divided into two independent countries 70 years ago today, India and Pakistan during 'Partition'.
The first Prime Minister of India as an independent nation made a now famous speech
"At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance."
Indian Independence Day is celebrated on the 15 August, as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947.
Even though it gained its independence, India still saw King George VI as head of state until it became a full republican constituion.
India's independence was gained after the Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience was led by the Indian National Congress (INC).
Coinciding with the partition of India along religious lines to form India and Pakistan, who celebrated their independence yesterday, the split caused massive casualties and mass displacement of people.
The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. There is a national holiday, and schools and government offices distribute sweets, but no official work is done.
