Archives Retrieval: On the flag hoisting at Red Fort as a culture!

If there is one thing intrinsically associated with the celebration of freedom in India that citizens— from children to adults and elders—have in their schedules, it is watching the Prime Minister's speech after the flag hoisting at the Red Fort in the national capital. But as we wonder why the Red Fort and not any other monument or building in the country, we need to delve into the pages of history archived in many reports.

Since 1947, our generations have witnessed the grandeur of flag hoisting at the Red Fort, which was chosen for this significant event. August 15 marks the country's independence from British colonial rule, leaving behind the stories of valor and determination of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. This was a time when the country was not yet ready for many new beginnings; the constitution had to be enforced, and citizens needed to be made aware of their rights and duties.

Amidst the uncertainty, all that citizens knew at the time was that it was a moment of pride, as their country was finally free from British rule. Celebrations took various forms, including the distribution of sweets and group mediators narrating the major event to the crowds. Meanwhile, the Red Fort was the chosen venue to witness the grandeur and history of the tricolor hoisting in independent India.

The royalty of the national capital and the Red Fort

Visit Delhi, and you'll find a queue of local transport drivers ready to take you to this historical building while narrating the stories associated with it! Each story undoubtedly contributes to its significance. During the Mughal period, the Red Fort served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for almost 200 years, until 1857.

Before this, Delhi was under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, and between 1206 and 1506, it became a prominent capital city. Under the rule of Shah Jahan (1592-1666), Delhi again became the capital with the establishment of Shahjahanabad in 1648. The Mughals ruled from the fortified citadel of Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort, until 1857. It is now known as Old Delhi to the locals.

Reportedly, when the British took control, their initial plan was to destroy the entire city; however, they almost spared the Red Fort from complete destruction. A report mentions that 80 percent of the Red Fort’s original inner structures were destroyed. Hence, the fort stands as a testimony to all historical events, even beyond the Mughal era.

Prior to independence, the Indian National Army, under Subhas Chandra Bose, was captured by Japan and civilian volunteers raced toward India in 1943. While Bose was declared dead in a plane crash between 1945 and 1946, the senior officers were tried for treason. All these public trials were held at the Red Fort.

Therefore, the fort witnessed the trials, the sympathy for the Indian National Army, and the rising nationalist sentiments against the British, making the Red Fort a landmark of power, resistance, and cultural significance. It is no surprise that the fort became the prominent location for Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, to deliver his first speech on August 15, 1947, a day after independence was declared. In that speech, he referred to himself as the "Pratham Sevak of India."

This tradition was established, making the Red Fort a focal point for all celebrations, including speeches by the serving Prime Minister, a wide showcase of military and cultural performances, and various patriotic activities. Years later, the connection between Indians and the fort, along with the ceremony held there, remains strong. The fact that television sets tune into the celebrations is evidence enough!