On August 14th, 1947, Pakistan was declared a separate nation with Muhammed Ali Jinnah as its leader.
On August 15th, 1947, at the stroke of midnight, India was declared an independent nation.
While there were widespread celebrations across the country, this joyous period was also scarred by violent clashes between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. While millions were displaced, thousands were killed in this process of partition. This is the sad truth and reality of our flight for freedom.
This reality is something that the kids of today must know, for this is the real history that will not frighten them but will help them understand more about the cost of freedom. That it was a hard-worn independence. That it broke our nation into two. That our great-grandparents had to struggle to get back on their feet. That their sacrifice for the future must not be in vain.
Thankfully, there are now amazing books for children that talk about India’s fight for freedom. Sensitive issues are portrayed in a very child-centered manner.
- The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is a sweet and bitter portrayal of a girl who crosses the border at the time of partition and writes her experiences in her diary.
- Kakori by Prachi Garg is the story of how a bomb blast shook the confidence of British Raj
- Postcard from Lushai Bridge by Hannah Lalhlanpuii is the story of a boy with simple joys, even in the midst of the British Raj. When the Japanese try to invade their Lushai Hills, the joy fades.
- The Letter to Lahore by Tanu Shree Singh is the story of a young girl who wants to be involved in a small way in the liberation of Lahore from the unjust laws of the British regime.
- The Story of India’s Freedom Movement by Nayantara Sahgal is a great read for children who want to know the facts about our struggle for freedom.
- India’s Freedom Story by Ira Saxena and Nilima Sinha is an ideal book for ages 7 to 12. It talks about India’s Freedom Story, tracing the country’s extraordinary journey to attain freedom from British rule.
- The Constitution of India for Children by Subhadra Sen Gupta explores the facts and stories surrounding the momentous making of the Constitution of India.
- After Midnight: A History of Independent India by Meghaa Gupta traverses through the highs and lows of the making of modern India after Independence and the 75 years of freedom from the British Raj.
Frankly, there are more books than these that can fit in here. However, these 8 books are definitely a great way to introduce children from 6 to 13 years old to reading for Independence.
