INDIA ACHIEVES INDEPENDENCE: NATIONAL DAY

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 August 1947, Page 7

INDIA ACHIEVES INDEPENDENCE: NATIONAL DAY

(Recd. 10.30 a.m.) NEW DELHI, August 14. Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister of India, in a message to India’s 300,000,000 citizens, said August 15 was the “day appointed by destiny.” He pledged Indian co-opera-tion in furthering peace and democracy. He defined the charter of independent India, as follows:— 1. To bring freedom and opportunity to the common man. 2. To fight poverty, ignorance and disease. 3. To build a prosperous, democratic and progressive nation. 4. To create social, economic and political institutions ensuring justice and a full life for all. He referred to Mr Gandhi as the “architect of this freedom, magnificent in faith, strength and courageous humility.” He concluded: “A new star arises—the star of freedom in the East. May the star never set and hope never be betrayed.

Mr Rajendra Prasad, President nf the Constituent Assembly, in an inauguration message said that millions faced privation, hunger and disease and to conquer these their petty quarrels must be forgotten. India faced the colossal task of harnessing the people’s energy and enthusiasm to the requirements of an independent nation.

Mr Paten described the day as the “fulfilment of our life’s ambition.” He added that there were enormous difficulties and almost insuperable obstacles to overcome. Few could realise the bitterness and sorrow partition had brought to those who cherished unity. Mr Kripalani, referring to “painful separation” of the two Dominions, said that unity might return. Mr Azati said that united steadfastness was needed in the vital task of national reconstruction. Calcutta Celebrates Storm centres of recent rioting in Calcutta were alive with celebrations. Mixed parties of Hindus and Moslems drove round the city in all sorts of vehicles from jeeps to heavy lorries, roaring joint welcomes of the nation’s independence. No communal incidents were reported today. Mr Gandhi is observing Independence Day today by a four-hour fast. He will spend the whole day spinning and praying.

Mr Suhrawardy, the retiring Moslem Prime Minister of Bengal and Mr S. M. Osman, Mayor of Calcutta and secretary of the Calcutta’s Moslem League, will fast with Mr Gandhi. Scene at'New Delhi Thousands of onlookers cheered India’s new Government leaders as they arrived at the New Delhi Council House for the assumption-of-power session of the Indian Assembly. Bonfires blazing nearby, close to the statue of Lord Irwin, lighted the scene. Mr Prasad opened the historic session. Pandit Nehru moved that all members at midnight should humbly dedicate themselves to the service of India and her people. All sections of the populace are busy putting the finishing touches to their plans for celebrating Independence Day tomorrow. Students are arranging to burn an effigy of British imperialism. Industrialists are preparing for the distribution of bonuses.

The authorities are getting kitchens ready to feed the poor and orphans, to issue free lengths of cloth and to distribute sweets and medals.

Unofficial festivities will, supplement salutes of 31 guns, the marching of troops and flag-hoisting ceremonies. Fire-cracker processions will be arranged by the authorities. All the temples and mosques will be open for prayers. Mrs Suchta Kripalani, wife of the Congress President, will open the proceedings tonight in the Council Chamber with the singing of “We Salute Thee Mother,” whigh will be followed by 24 hours of swearing-in ceremonies, State drives, Royal salutes, dinners and receptions.