10 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) The Quit India Movement marked the awakening of the nation’s soul and brought diverse sections together in a unified vision of Independence. Discuss. (10 marks, 150 words)

ANSWER

The Quit India Movement, launched on August 8, 1942, by Mahatma Gandhi, stands as a pivotal chapter in India’s struggle for independence. 

This movement, also known as the “August Movement,” was a clarion call for the British to leave India immediately, encapsulated in Gandhi’s powerful slogan, “Do or Die.” 

The Quit India Movement marked a significant shift in the Indian independence struggle by awakening the nation’s collective consciousness and bringing together diverse sections of society in a unified vision of freedom from colonial rule.

ROLE OF THE QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT IN AWAKENING NATIONS SOUL

1. Rise of Nationalism: A greater sense of unity and brotherhood emerged due to the Quit India Movement. Many students dropped out of schools and colleges, people gave up their jobs and withdrew money from the banks.
2. End of British Fear and British Supremacy: Despite heavy-handed suppression by the Government, the people were unfazed and continued their struggle. Even though the Government said that independence could be granted only after the end of the war, the movement drove home the point that India could not be governed without the support of the Indians.
3. Demand of Complete Independence: The movement placed the demand for complete independence at the top agenda of the freedom movement. Public morale and anti-British sentiment were enhanced.
4. Paved the Way for Independence: While the Quit India campaign was crushed in 1944, with the British refusing to grant immediate independence, saying it could happen only after the war had ended, they came to the important realization that India was ungovernable in the long run due to the cost of World War II.
5. Gandhiji’s Call: Gandhi’s call for immediate independence resonated deeply with the Indian populace. His articulation of the need for self-rule was not merely a political demand but a moral imperative that struck a chord with the masses. The idea of ‘Swaraj’ or self-governance became a shared aspiration across different regions and communities, transcending linguistic, cultural, and religious barriers.
6. Rise of Future Leaders: This movement also gave some future prominent leaders such as Biku Patnaik, Ram Manohar Lohia, Sucheta Kriplani, J.P. Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, etc. These leaders were helping the movement through underground activities.

ROLE OF QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT IN BRINGING DIVERSE SECTIONS TOGETHER:

1. Grassroots Participation: The Quit India Movement saw unprecedented participation from various strata of society, including students, women, peasants, and workers. This mass mobilization was a testament to the widespread disillusionment with British rule and the collective yearning for freedom.
2. Youth and Students: The youth and student community were actively involved, in organizing strikes and demonstrations. Their energy and enthusiasm added a dynamic dimension to the movement, emphasizing the intergenerational aspect of the struggle for freedom.
3. Rural and Urban Populace: The movement effectively bridged the rural-urban divide. While urban centers saw organized protests and strikes, rural areas witnessed large-scale uprisings and the destruction of government infrastructure, illustrating a collective effort from both ends.
4. Peasants and Workers: Peasants, among the most oppressed under colonial rule, joined the movement in large numbers, highlighting its economic dimensions and underscoring the demand for socio-economic reforms post-independence. Workers provided support by not working in the factories. In various locations, parallel Governments were set up.
5. Intellectuals and Professionals: The involvement of intellectuals and professionals added a strategic and intellectual depth to the movement. They played a crucial role in articulating the ideological basis of the struggle and planning coordinated efforts against the British administration.
6. Underground Activities: With many leaders in prison, underground networks were established to continue the struggle. This led to the unification of revolutionary leaders with the mainstream leaders. For example, Usha Mehta helped setup an underground radio station.
7. Women’s Participation: Women participated actively, organizing protests, boycotts, and even taking on leadership roles in the absence of male leaders. For example, Sucheta Kriplani, Aruna Asaf Ali and Usha Mehta, etc.

The Quit India Movement was a watershed moment in India’s struggle for independence, marking the awakening of the nation’s soul and uniting diverse sections of society in a common cause. It not only accelerated the path to independence but also laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society. The legacy of the Quit India Movement continues to inspire generations, underscoring the power of unity and collective action in the pursuit of justice and freedom.

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