Independence Day: Why was 15th August chosen for independence, this was Mountbatten's hidden agenda..

Independence Day 2025: India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day today on 15 August. On this day in 1947, India was freed from centuries-old British slavery. But do you know why 15 August was chosen as the day of the declaration of independence? Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of Britain in India, was entrusted with the responsibility of transferring power. He chose 15 August as the date of the transfer of power. It was not accidental nor based on any one particular reason. Mountbatten considered his options and finally chose 15 August.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Clement Attlee advised King George VI to appoint Mountbatten as the Viceroy of India on 20 February 1947. He believed that, given the situation in the country, it would not be appropriate to wait for a year to grant independence. For this, he made a new plan. In the course of which Mountbatten was appointed the last Viceroy of India.

Mountbatten chose the date of 15 August because of this

Mountbatten decided on the date of independence as 15 August 1947, just five months after arriving in India. Meanwhile, violence had also increased in India. It is said that the British government wanted to be free from its responsibility by transferring power as soon as possible. But Mountbatten had another very personal reason for choosing 15 August as the date of India's independence. He had led the Burma campaign during the Second World War, which ended with the unconditional surrender of the Japanese Empire in August. According to the book 'Freedom at Midnight' by Larry Collins and Dominic Lapierre, the last Viceroy of India wanted this date to coincide with the "most victorious moments of his existence". Japan surrendered in the Second World War on 15 August 1945. Mountbatten was the Supreme Allied Naval Commander of South-East Asia in the Second World War.

15th August is also the Independence Day of these countries

15th August is not only the Independence Day of India but also of many countries of the world. Let us know about some main countries-

South Korea – Got independence from Japanese occupation on 15th August 1945, which is called National Liberation Day of Korea.

North Korea – Got independence from Japan on 15th August 1945, it is called Liberation Day.

Bahrain – Got independence from British control on 15th August 1971 (although the official celebration is celebrated on 16th December).

Congo – Gained independence from France on 15th August 1960.

Liechtenstein – Celebrates National Day on 15th August (it is not their Independence Day, but a national festival).

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