In the history of this world, the month of August is a sanctuary for many liberating as well as sorrowful events. In a lot of ways, this month had an everlasting impact on history. On the larger canvas of the world, August holds place for death and destruction. Closer home, in India, we celebrate this month for the liberation of foreign rule.
On August 1st, 1836, Jamaica abolished slavery after suffering for 300 years. In the same month, in 1962, they attained independence from British Colonial rule.
One of the most tragic incidents in human history, the bombing of the Japanese port of Hiroshima, happened in 1945 on August 6th. Six years before this incident on 2nd August 1939, Albert Einstein had written a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing his concerns regarding atomic weapons. In his letter, he wrote “A single bomb of this type carried by boat and exploded in a port, might very well destroy the whole port together with some of the surrounding territory.”
The three cities of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum located in Italy were completely destroyed due to the eruption of the active volcano, Mount Vesuvius. This event took place on August 24th, 79 A.D.
August also witnessed the births of some of the greatest personalities in history
Alexander Fleming was born on August 6th, 1881 in Scotland. He discovered the first-ever antibiotic Penicillin, a drug that kills a wide range of disease-causing bacteria. This discovery changed the face of medicine, saving millions of lives. Fleming was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1954 for his discovery.
Popularly known as the “Master of Suspense” in the history of cinema, the English director, Sir Alfred Hitchcock was born on 13th August 1899. Some of his classic thrillers included The 39 Steps, Rebecca, The Birds, Psycho and Frenzy, and his American TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
SIGNIFICANCE OF AUGUST IN INDIA
This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence and it is important to revisit the historical dates and events.
In the course of events, the East India Company first visited the Mughal court in August 1608, to forge a trading relationship. This was the marking of India going into a colonial rule.
The next landmark moment was the launching of the Non-Cooperation Movement on 1st August 1920 by Gandhiji, following the Jallianwala-Bagh-Massacre.
8th August 1940 marked an important advance in colonial rule when the Viceroy passed the “August Offer”. This included more Indians in the British Executive Council, recognizing the inherent right of the people in the country. The same month, in 1942 marked the Quit India Movement where Gandhiji made a call to DO OR DIE, asking for an orderly British withdrawal from India.
This movement invigorated the Indian freedom struggle, eventually leading to the announcement by the UK of Indian freedom, on the midnight of 14th August 1947. Dominions of India and Pakistan were formed. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India that day, hoisting the Tricolour Flag over the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in Delhi.
Revisiting historical events is important as it teaches us to celebrate our victories, learn from our mistakes, and appreciate the hard work of our forefathers. In our day-to-day activities, we tend to forget what is more important in life. Peeking into history gives us the right perspective.
Written by: Mohana Veena Routh
Grade: 9B, Ekya School JP Nagar