Question

Discuss in class this extract from Nehru’s speech on 15 August 1947:

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance…”

What is meant by “redeem our pledge”? How would you define the ‘soul of a nation’?

Answer 1

This is a discussion question. Nehru's speech captures the historical significance and emotional weight of India's independence. Key elements to discuss:

• “Tryst with destiny”: Refers to India’s long-awaited goal of achieving freedom from British rule.
• “Redeem our pledge”: Means fulfilling the promise and commitment made by the freedom fighters to secure independence.
• “At the stroke of the midnight hour”: Refers to the moment at midnight when India became an independent nation.
• “An age ends”: Represents the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for India.
• “Soul of a nation… finds utterance”: Means that India’s identity, hopes, and aspirations could finally be expressed freely after years of colonial oppression.

The speech inspires a sense of responsibility and hope, reminding citizens to work towards building a just and prosperous nation.