Quit India Movement Day: Major highlights that defined India’s freedom struggle

The day, 8th August 1942, was a defining moment for India’s freedom struggle as on this day Quit India Movement was started on the call of Mahatma Gandhi. The “Bharat Chodo Andolan” as it was popularly called was launched by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Gandhiji had called out for “Do or Die” to Indians to encourage a decisive fight against British rule.

Since then, every year India celebrates August 8 as Quit India Movement Day and also the day when tributes are paid to the freedom fighters.

Why was Quit India Movement launched?

The British Empire wanted to use the Indian resources as well as manpower during World War II to support its allied forces. By the year 1942, more than 90,000 soldiers were killed in the war.

To ensure that the supply of soldiers from India do not get stopped, Stafford Cripps, a member of the war cabinet came to India to get cooperation as protests had already started in the country.

The Quit India Movement, which began on this day in 1942, changed the course of the freedom struggle and played a significant role. I extend my tribute to everyone who dedicated their lives for the nation and freed India from the colonial clutches. #QuitIndiaMovement pic.twitter.com/7iMjwVWmcp

— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) August 8, 2023

When Cripps and his team discussed this matter during a meeting the Indian National Congress refused to accept these demands and in turn stressed complete freedom. That is when big Congress leaders including Gandhiji called out for the Quit India Movement. Violent means were used to stop these protests killing more than 10,000 people.

It was the first time that a mass movement of civil disobedience and non-cooperation against British rule was carried out that significantly impacted India's freedom struggle and defined its further path.

Highlights of Quit India Movement 1942

• The term “Quit India” was given by Yusuf Meher Ali- a freedom fighter and the then Mayor of Mumbai.
• During the movement, parallel governments were established in Satara, Tamluk, Ballia, and Talcher.
• The slogan “Do or Die” was given by Mahatma Gandhi during one of his speeches for Bharat Chodo Andolan.
• The protestors demolished and damaged governmental structures and railway tracks in many places.
• Many top leaders like Nehru, Gandhi, and Sardar Patel were arrested and by the end of 1942, more than 60,000 protestors were arrested.