Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942, at the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay (AICC). This movement, also known as the Bharat Chhodo Andolan, was a nationwide act of civil disobedience.
During the movement’s launch, the nation’s father delivered a speech in the midst of a ‘do or die’ situation. He demanded that the British leave India immediately or face severe repercussions. As part of this movement, a call for mass agitation was followed by widespread violence, with Indian National Congress leaders arrested.
Every year on 8 August, the anniversary of Quit India Movement is marked and observed by paying tribute to freedom fighters who without a doubt laid their lives for the country and its people.
Details on what happened during this movement:
• The main reason for the formation of the Quit India Movement was that the British intended to drag India into World War II without its consent to fight on behalf of the United Kingdom (UK). During World War II, over 87,000 Indian soldiers were killed, including people from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• In March 1942, the Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the War Cabinet, attempted to secure India’s cooperation in World War II. Following this, Cripps was dispatched to India to meet with Indian leaders and discuss and support the British Government’s Draft Declaration. Furthermore, the declaration granted India Dominion Status following the war. As a result, Congress refused to discuss any
terms unless given complete freedom.
• Following the meeting with Indian leaders, anti-British and full-independence sentiments spread throughout India and its people. In addition, India’s economy was in disarray at the time.
• Revolutionary protests were already taking place in various parts of the country by renowned leaders, and it was simply channelised with the Quit India Movement, which had a huge impact on all.
