August 8 is a noteworthy day in Indian history as it marks the start of The Quit India Movement also known as the India August Movement or Bharat Chodo Andolan which was launched at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) by Mahatma Gandhi on this date in 1942.
As we mark the anniversary of this national event, later termed 'August Kranti' due to the month of its occurrence, here are some key points to revisit and know about it. While it was introduced on August 8, the movement was started a day later on August 9, 1942.
7 Key Points From The 1942 Bharat Chodo Andolan
The Quit India Movement came into being with a speech by Mahatma Gandhi. At Mumbai's Gowalia Tank Maidan (popularly known as August Kranti Maidan), the freedom fighter delivered his speech on August 8. Several other leaders and citizens were gathered there on the day and the following one.
Gandhiji gave his iconic slogan "Do or Die" in his speech.
Arrests followed the protest including Mahatma Gandhi, APJ Abdul Kalam Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The Congress was declared an unlawful association, leaders were arrested and its offices all over the country were raided and their funds were frozen.
Young Aruna Asaf Ali courageously took over the AICC session and raised the flag in defiance of numerous police warnings and government notices prohibiting public processions and assemblies.
The final phase of the movement was marked on September 1942
The British refused to grant immediate independence and stated that it could only be granted after the war ended (WWII Sept 1945). Finally, India got independence in 1947.
