August 15, 1947: When Mahatma Gandhi warned Nehru’s ministers after PM had a ‘tryst with destiny’

The night of August 14, 1947, was a cauldron of emotions. While the nation was on the cusp of history, a palpable tension underlay the festivities. Even as the clock ticked towards midnight, the Parliament building was abuzz with activity. The air was thick with anticipation. A prelude to the main event, the singing of Vande Mataram, a song that had inspired generations, echoed through the halls of power.

As the clock struck twelve, India awakened to life and freedom. In the Central Hall of Parliament, a ceremony marked this momentous occasion. Three towering figures of the era addressed the nation. Chaudhary Khaliquzzaman and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, each with their distinct perspectives, set the stage for the main act.

Then came Jawaharlal Nehru. His speech, a masterpiece of oratory, would be etched in the nation’s memory. Referring to the 1929 Lahore Congress, he declared, “Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.” His words were a clarion call, a promise of a new India.

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The formation of the first Indian cabinet was a task of immense responsibility. Nehru, at its helm, brought together a diverse group of leaders, reflecting the nation’s complex tapestry. Figures like B.R. Ambedkar and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, despite their ideological differences, were part of this historic cabinet.

While Delhi was immersed in the euphoria of independence, a different scene was unfolding in the remote reaches of the country. Mahatma Gandhi, the architect of India’s freedom struggle, was far removed from the celebrations. In the quietude of prayer and introspection, he marked this momentous occasion.

Gandhi’s heart was heavy with the sorrow of Partition. The violence, the displacement, and the deep-rooted animosity between Hindus and Muslims filled him with despair. “I cannot rejoice on August 15,” he confessed. Yet, he understood the significance of the day for the nation and urged his followers to celebrate with restraint.

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On the day of Independence, Gandhi observed a day of fasting and prayer. Visitors, including the newly appointed West Bengal Governor, C Rajagopalachari, and a group of students, came to pay their respects.  

To the ministers, Mahatma Gandhi offered words of caution. “Today, you have worn on your heads a crown of thorns,” he warned.  

“Do not fall prey to the lure of wealth."

As India embarked on its journey as a free nation, the contrasting visions of Nehru and Gandhi encapsulated the nation’s complexities. Nehru, the architect of modern India, and Gandhi, the guardian of its soul, represented two sides of the same coin. Their paths diverged, yet their shared dream of a free and prosperous India remained a common thread.