PM Modi pays tribute to freedom fighters on Quit India Movement’s anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to freedom fighters who participated in the ‘Quit India Movement’ led by Mahatma Gandhi.

PM Modi also emphasised the movement’s significant role in India’s struggle for independence from colonial rule.

“Homage to all those who took part in the Quit India Movement under Bapu’s leadership. It was truly a watershed moment in our freedom struggle,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

He also shared his thoughts through a video message on the occasion. In the video message, he said “Today, India is saying in one voice: Corruption Quit India. Dynasty Quit India. Appeasement Quit India,” he said in a video posted on X.

The Quit India Movement, also known as the “Bharat Chodo Andolan”, was started by Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942, during the Second World War, demanding an end to British rule in India, as per the Ministry of Culture.

As per the Ministry of Culture, the Quit India Movement of 1942 is significant, especially because it brought home to the British that it would not be possible to continue to govern India and forced them to think of ways they could exit the country.

The Movement was accompanied by a mass protest on non-violent lines by which Mahatma Gandhi called for “an orderly British withdrawal; from India.” Through his speeches, Gandhi moved people by proclaiming that “every Indian who desires freedom and strives for it must be his own guide.”

On this day in 1942, Gandhi gave the clarion call of “Do or Die” to all Indians to drive away Britishers from the country. The movement had begun from Gawalia Tank in Mumbai.

The day is observed as August Kranti Day every year.