The Quit India Movement Day, also known as August Kranti Day, is annually observed across India on 8th August to commemorate the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942, a significant movement in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, demanding the immediate withdrawal of British forces.
- The day underscores the power of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience in achieving social and political change, highlighting democracy, freedom, and unity.
- 8 August 2024 marks the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India Movement Day.
About the Quit India Movement:
i.The Indian National Congress (INC) led by Mahatma Gandhi, officially launched the movement on 8th August 1942, during World War II (WW2) at the Bombay (now Mumbai, Maharashtra) session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC).
ii.The Quit India Movement, also known as August Kranti, August Movement, or Bharat Chodo Andolan, was a massive disobedience movement initiated to end British rule in India immediately.
iii.The movement started on 9 August 1942 after the British responded by arresting all the major leaders including Gandhi.
vi.After the arrest, Aruna Asaf Ali, an Indian educator, and political activist hoisted the tricolour Indian National flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay.
- Aruna Asaf Ali was also called the Heroine of the 1942 Quit India Movement, Queen of the August Revolution, and Grand Old Lady of the Independence Movement.
- She was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992 and the Bharat Ratna (posthumously) in 1997 for her contributions to Public Affairs.
vii.The phrase ‘Quit India’ was authored by Yusuf Meherally, an Indian freedom fighter, socialist leader, and the then Mayor of Bombay.
- He also coined the iconic slogan “Simon Go Back” which resonated loudly in the anti-Simon Commission protests in 1928.
viii.The ‘Quit India’ movement, united the Indian people against British rule. Although most demonstrations as part of the movement had been suppressed by 1944.
