August 15, 1947 will go down in history as one of the most memorable days, not for India alone but for Asia and the world. For India, it marks the close of an old era and the beginning of a new age. For Asia, it gives a new leader, a new outlook, a new future. For the world, it gives a new idea and a new method. India has attained her independence in a unique manner, with unique weapons, and along unique lines. She has shown the world that a subject country, however docile, can still organise itself into a powerful fighting unit by sheer force of will, and without resort to the sword, defy the most formidable imperialist power on earth, render its striking power ineffective, and wrench and preserve freedom with peace as its mantra and satyagraha as its means. Through mainly the inspiration and instrumentality of Mahatma Gandhi who embodies in himself all that is best and noblest in India, this country has reached its goal without violence. The Indian National Congress, which constituted the spearhead of India's struggle for freedom has, in the course of a little over half a century, won for the country the greatest of all assets, independence. The names of the heroes thrown up in the process are legion; those who died for it are many, and those who remain are not few. To all those who have striven, the consummation must come as a prize and an emblem. INDIA IS AT LAST FREE.

... contd.