Facts about Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement also referred to as India August Movement or Bharat Chodo Andolan was launched at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) by Gandhi on August 8, 1942. The protest was initiated to demand an end to British rule out India. Since the movement was held in August it's also referred to as August Kranti or August Movement. The movement was started on August 9, 1942, and since then the day is widely known as August Kranti Day/Diwas. The day is widely known for paying tribute to freedom fighters with national integration speeches and other events. Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank Maidan also referred to as August Kranti Maidan is that the place where Gandhi delivered his speech marking the start of the Quit India Movement. Mahatma alongside other leaders gathered here on August 8 and 9, 1942. The maidan also houses a monument as a tribute to the historical event. In his speech at Mumbai’s Gowalia Tank, Gandhiji called the state to ‘Do or Die’ in his speech. Within hours of the speech, almost the whole INC was imprisoned without trial. Several national leaders like Gandhi, Abdul Kalam Azad, Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were arrested. The Congress was declared an unlawful association, leaders were arrested and its offices everywhere the country were raided, and their funds were frozen. The primary half of the movement was peaceful with demonstrations and processions. The peaceful protest was carried till Mahatma Gandhi’s release. The last half of the movement was violent with raids and setting fire at post offices, government buildings, and railway stations. Lord Linlithgow adopted the policy of violence.

By: Khushboo

Birla School, Pilani