On August 15, 1947, India marked a monumental achievement as it emerged from the grasp of British colonial rule, a dominance that lasted for almost two centuries. Interestingly, this date holds a special place for other nations as well. Alongside India, countries like South Korea, North Korea, Bahrain, and two others also share August 15 as their preferred day to celebrate Independence Day.
As India commemorates its 77th year of independence, it’s a moment to dive into the narratives of countries that faced challenges similar to India’s and attained their sovereignty on the very same August 15. This distinctive list encompasses Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liechtenstein.
August 15 and the Remarkable Independence Stories
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, situated in Central Europe, stands as one of the world’s smallest yet most prosperous nations. Bordered by Switzerland on the west and Austria on the east, Liechtenstein got independence from German rule in 1866. Interestingly, the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein formally designated August 15 as the country’s National Day on August 5, 1940.
South Korea and North Korea
Both South Korea and North Korea, sharing the Korean Peninsula, mark their independence on August 15. Despite they being separate entities, they share this date due to their shared history under Japanese Colonial Rule for about 35 years. Both North Korea and South Korea honor August 15 as the National Liberation Day of Korea. It’s called as ‘Gwangbokjeol’ in South Korea, translating to ‘the day the light returned,’ while North Korea calls it as ‘Chogukhaebangui nal,’ symbolizing ‘liberation of the fatherland day.’
Republic of the Congo
After 80 years of French domination, the Democratic Republic of the Congo attained complete independence from France in 1960. The country commemorates its Independence Day, also known as Congolese National Day, on August 15.
Bahrain
Following a United Nations Survey of its people, Bahrain, an island nation tucked away in the Persian Gulf, proclaimed its independence on August 15, 1971. Bahrain additionally agreed to a friendship pact with the British, which led to the termination of existing agreements.Notably, Bahrain’s National Day is observed on December 16 despite achieving independence on August 15.
India
August 15 carries immense historical significance due to its connection with the Indian Independence Act of 1947. This significant day saw the enactment of the act, marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards liberation from British colonial rule. Under the leadership of Lord Mountbatten, the last British Governor General of India, the act not only led to India’s hard-earned independence but also paved the way for the partition of the nation, resulting in the establishment of Pakistan as a distinct nation with a predominant Muslim population.The Prime Minister raises the National Flag at New Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, symbolizing the culmination of a relentless struggle for self-determination.
