Independence Day 2024: Independence Day 2024: Quotes and slogans of freedom fighters

At midnight on August 15, 1947, India gained freedom from oppressive British rule. Since then, August 15 has been celebrated every year as Independence Day in India, a day to honour the freedom fighters and remember their sacrifices. To celebrate India's 78th Independence Day, we present notable quotes and slogans of freedom fighters along with poster drawing ideas and captions for this significant national holiday.

Independence Day in India is an occasion to pay tribute to the countless freedom fighters who fought for the country's independence. As citizens reflect on their sacrifices, various quotes and slogans of these fighters serve as inspiration and a reminder of the tireless struggle for freedom.

Quotes from freedom fighters offer timeless wisdom and patriotic zeal. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Let us all be brave enough to die a martyr's death, but let no one covet martyrdom.” Another profound quote from Bal Gangadhar Tilak is, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!” Reflecting on the price of freedom, Rabindranath Tagore said, “We attain freedom when we have paid the full price.”

Lal Bahadur Shastri stressed the collective effort required to preserve freedom: “Preserving freedom is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation must be strong.” Swami Vivekananda saw a new India emerging in all parts of the country: “May the new India arise from the huts of the peasants who hold the plough in their hands, from the huts of the cobblers and sweepers.” Sarojini Naidu focused on the ideals that make a country great: “The greatness of a country lies in its immortal ideals of love and sacrifice which the mothers of humanity inspire.”

Lala Lajpat Rai's determined spirit is evident in his words: “The shots that hit me are the final nails in the coffin of British rule in India.” Jawaharlal Nehru encouraged citizens to contribute to their country: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the value of freedom: “Freedom is never expensive, no matter the price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay to live?”

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya's words on humility and knowledge resonate: “Knowledge combined with humility is worthless.” Annie Besant reiterated the innate right to freedom: “Freedom is the birthright of every nation.” Chandra Shekhar Azad's determination is underlined by his statement: “We will face the bullets of the enemy; we are free and we will remain free.”
Another powerful statement by Lala Lajpat Rai underlines the active pursuit of freedom: “Freedom is not given; it is taken. Fight for your rights.” Bhagat Singh's unwavering spirit shines through his words: “They can kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can destroy my body, but they will not be able to destroy my mind.”

Besides these quotes, the slogans of Indian freedom fighters have also left an indelible mark on the country's struggle for independence. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya's slogan “Satyameva Jayate” stands for truth and justice. Iqbal's patriotic saying “Saare jahan se achchha hindustan hamara” reflects love for the motherland. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's call to action inspired many: “Tu mujhe khoon do, main tumhe aazadi dunga.”

Mahatma Gandhi's famous slogan “Do or Die” summed up the determination of the freedom movement. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's “Vande Mataram” became the rallying cry. Bhagat Singh's “Inquilab Zindabad” reflected the spirit of the revolution. Ramprasad Bismil's powerful phrase “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna, Ab hamare dil mein hai, Dekhna hai zor kitna bazu-e-katil mein hai” symbolizes the determination of the freedom fighters.

Chandra Shekhar Azad's statement, “Dushman ki goliyon ka hum samna karenge, Azad hee rahein hain, Azad hee rahenge” reflects his undying resolve for freedom. Jawaharlal Nehru's “Araam Haraam Hai” underlines the need for continuous efforts. His call for “Purna Swaraj” stressed on complete independence.

Lala Lajpat Rai's defiant slogan “Simon Go back” was instrumental in the resistance against the British commissions. Shyam Lal Gupta's line “Vijayi Vishwa Triranga Pyaara, Jhanda Uuncha Rahe Humara” celebrates the national flag. Bharatendu Harishchandra's “Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan” emphasises cultural identity. Subhash Chandra Bose's rallying cry “Dilli Chalo” motivated many to join the struggle. Lal Bahadur Shastri's “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” celebrates the contributions of soldiers and peasants.

These themes and slogans can be reflected in Independence Day posters. One can depict the famous scene of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru reading his 'Rendezvous with Destiny' speech or hoisting the Indian flag at the Red Fort. Nehru's speech contained the memorable lines: “Many years ago we made a rendezvous with destiny. Now the time has come when we shall fulfil our promise – not entirely or fully – but in great measure. At midnight, when the world sleeps, India will awaken to life and freedom. There comes a moment, such as rarely comes in history, when we pass from the old to the new, when an age ends and the long-suppressed soul of a nation finds expression.”

Simple yet meaningful posters can include the Indian flag and a white dove as a symbol of peace, along with slogans of freedom fighters. Another effective idea is to draw a map of India with citizens of different backgrounds proudly holding the Indian flag to symbolize unity in diversity.