Why 15th August? - a page from history

Why 15th August was chosen for transfer of power, why not another date? Who decided, was it Mahatma Gandhi or was it an auspicious day chosen by astrologers?

Probably, the proverbial tryst with destiny was made on 4th June,1947.

On 4th June’1947, Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of Britain’s Indian Empire holds a press conference, attended by journalists and correspondents from the erstwhile USSR, US, China and Europe besides representatives from Indian Press.

This follows the previous day’s broadcast in the New Delhi Studio of All India Radio, during which the Viceroy, Nehru, Jinnah and Gandhi (in that order) announced formation of the two states- India and Pakistan.

Mountbatten talks with great eloquence and cogency his detailed plan. Once he is done with his presentation, he opens the floor to questions.

After many questions which were skilfully parried away by the Viceroy, comes the question, a question which provoked one of the most spontaneous, momentous decisions made in history of mankind.

The question is “Sir, if all agree that there is an urgent need for speed between today and the transfer of power, surely you should have a date mind?’

“Yes, indeed,” replies Mountbatten.

“If you have chosen a date, Sir, what then is that date” the questioner asks.

The audience is subject to a long silence, not that the Viceroy is not decided, there is no vacillation, he is determined to force pace, only he was juggling between possible dates. The mind suddenly stops in August. Yes, it has to be 15th August, as on this day two years ago he secured the unconditional surrender of the Japanese, that day, that of triumph will always be closest to his heart.

Firming up his mind, Mountbatten announces, “the final transfer of power to Indian hands will take place on 15th August,1947.”

Like an arrow shot from a bow can not return, the words uttered can not be taken. Just 73 days are there from today to the D-Day. In 73 days, so much has to be done. Boundaries have to be drawn, the entire machinery has to be reset up, followed by one of the biggest migration of people in the history of mankind, the very challenge of apportioning the land and property between two irreconcilable brothers.

Thinking of inconclusive decades’ long dialogues now a days, the fact that the such a Herculean task was completed in a mere 73 days speaks volumes about the abilities of Mountbatten.

For spontaneity of decision, for conviction, and for shear pace of execution this will remain unparalleled for ages to come.

As far as the auspiciousness of the date is concerned, various astrologers and Tantriks considered the day to be inauspicious.



Source: “Freedom at Midnight” – Dominque Lapierre and Larry Collins

 

Dear Akila,

I am glad that you found my article informative. I suggest that you read the non-fiction book " Freedom at Midnight" which describes so vividly those last days of British Raj.

Wish you too a Happy Independence Day.

-- Suby