Independence Day 2021: 11 Inspirational Quotes That Celebrate Freedom and Evoke Patriotism

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's famous lines, 'Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom', or Bal Gangadhar Tilak's 'Swaraj is my Birthright' have inspired many generations.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi in conversation at a session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Bombay, 8th August 1942. It was at this session that the Quit India Resolution was passed, calling for India's independence from British rule. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Independence Day 2021: India is set to celebrate its 75th Independence Day this Sunday. While the country can never forget the contribution of the bravehearts who fought for our freedom and liberated us from British rule, 15th August serves as a special day to remember all those innumerable people — some celebrated stalwarts, some unsung heroes.

Names like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Chandra Shekhar Azad, BR Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Sarojini Naidu and many others have remained etched in our hearts and minds as they inspired all with their powerful words and acts that are remembered to date.

The official 75th Independence Day celebrations will be held at Delhi's Red Fort, like every year, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation. In his speech, the PM announces the achievements of the government over the last year and important programmes and vision for the coming year.

However, the celebrations this year will remain muted because of the pandemic, and there will be no cultural performances. However, a group of NCC cadets will attend the event, according to reports.

August 15 is the day when we honour the sacrifices of people who relentlessly struggled for freedom. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's famous lines, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom", to Bal Gangadhar Tilak's "Swaraj is my Birthright", and not to mention the Quit India speech by Mahatma Gandhi have inspired generations.

First Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's words on the eve of India's Independence are often considered to be one of the greatest speeches, which truly summarised the essence of India’s struggle against the British.

Here are some inspirational quotes to commemmorate Independence Day     

"Let new India arise out of peasants' cottage, grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler and sweeper." — Swami Vivekananda

“A day will come when unvanquished Man will retrace his path of conquest, despite all barriers, to win back his lost human heritage." — Rabindranath Tagore

“We become pitiable and ridiculous when we imbibe an unreasoned mysticism in our life without any natural or substantial basis. People like us, who are proud to be revolutionary in every sense, should always be prepared to bear all the difficulties, anxieties, pain and suffering which we invite upon ourselves by the struggles initiated by us and for which we call ourselves revolutionary.” 

 “If your blood does not rage, then it is water that flows in your veins. For what is the flush of youth, if it is not of service to the motherland?” — Bhagat Singh

 “We have believed, and we do believe now, that freedom is indivisible, that peace is indivisible, that economic prosperity is indivisible.” — Indira Gandhi

"If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India." — Romain Rolland, Nobel laureate

"We want deeper sincerity of motive, a greater courage in speech and earnestness in action." — Sarojini Naidu

“Democracy and socialism are means to an end, not the end itself.” — Jawaharlal Nehru

“Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?” — Mahatma Gandhi

 “It is easy to kill individuals, but you cannot kill the ideas. Great empires crumbled, while the ideas survived.” — Bhagat Singh

 “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” — Jawaharlal Nehru