Nadia keeps a date with history

TNN | Aug 19, 2011, 02.37AM IST
NADIA: While the entire nation celebrated Independence Day on August 15, one part of India observed the nationalevent on August 17 and 18.

On Thursday morning, Nadia district, about 95 km away from Kolkata, held Independence Day celebrations among much fanfare. Anjan Sukul, secretary of the 18 August, 1947 Committee, said they celebrated I-Day this year on August 18, a practice which was started in 1998. Nadia Zilla Independence Day Celebration Committee too observed August 18 as the Independence Day at Ranaghat.

Besides flag-hoisting, archery and rowing competitions for women were organized on Thursday morning. Sit and draw competitions were held for different age groups which were followed by a cultural programme and quiz. Sources said that appliances for the physically challenged and clothes for the poor would be distributed in the evening.

It might sound strange to many but the reason behind this delayed celebration is because of a cartographic error made 62 years ago.

On August 12, 1947 news on radio stated that India had been granted freedom but unfortunately a part of Nadia district had been awarded to East Pakistan. Pre-independent Nadia had five subdivisions: Krishnagar Sadar, Meherpur, Kusthia, Chuadanga and Ranaghat and all these areas except Nabadwip were given to East Pakistan.

It was not a diplomatic decision. It was a mistake made by Sir Cyril Radcliffe who had drawn an incorrect line on the map.

The news led to a protest in Nadia. Women objected to the decision by not lighting their ovens for two days, while the entire town observed a blackout. Muslim League leaders however hoisted flags of Pakistan near Krishnagar Rajbari and Public Library with their supporters patrolling streets, shouting 'Long Live Pakistan'.

When the word reached outgoing viceroy Lord Mountbatten, he ordered Radcliffe to rectify the mistake. Radcliffe made changes to the map and finally placed Ranaghat, Krishnagar, Shikarpur in Karimpur and Plassey in India. The rectifications, however, took some time and the final announcement was made on the night of August 17. The Pakistani flag at the Krishnagar Public Library ground was then taken off and the Tricolor hoisted a day later on August 18. Since then Nadia has been celebrating Independence Day both on August 17 and 18.