All of us know that India got
independence at midnight of 15 August 1947; but there are more interesting
aspects to it.
The British Parliament had
resolved to set India free on 15 August, which was the second anniversary of
Japanese surrender leading to end of WW-II. But as per Indian astrologers, 15
August 1947 was an inauspicious (ashubh) day and a nation born on that day
could face breaking-up and great hurdles. Astrologers said that 14th Aug'47 was
auspicious but British were adamant about 15th Aug. (also because their
authority had to be in Pakistan on 14th morning). So K.M. Panikkar, a historian
and astrology expert finally came up with a solution - he suggested that the
Constitution Assembly should meet and start the proceedings an hour before the
midnight. Pt. Nehru's talk is mentioned as 14-15 August even in speech notes.
We know that as per Hindu
Calendar, a date changes with sunrise and not at midnight and hence 00:00:00 of
15 August was actually 14 August by Hindu calendar! And it worked out well - a
nation which Western experts claimed won't survive, continued to remain one and
prospering...
.
