- US governors Larry Rhoden (South Dakota), Greg Gianforte (Montana), and Mike Dunleavy (Alaska) sent video messages congratulating India on its 80th Independence Day, highlighting the growing friendship between India and the United States.
- The transfer of power to Pakistan took place in Karachi on August 14, 1947, with Mountbatten present as Viceroy, before he became Governor-General of India on August 15.
- The Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons on July 4, 1947, and legislation was passed within a fortnight, establishing August 15, 1947, as the date for the two new Dominions.
- Mountbatten arrived in India as Viceroy in March 1947 with a June 1948 deadline for the transfer of power, but moved it to August 1947 due to a deteriorating political situation.
- Mountbatten chose August 15 as the date for India's independence because it coincided with the anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese in Singapore during World War II.
- The Indian Independence Act specified August 15, 1947, as the date for the establishment of the two new Dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to the odd difference in their independence days.
- Many historians believe that had the British not rushed the transfer of power, better arrangements could have been made to manage the fallout of the Partition, potentially reducing bloodshed.
On August 15, 2023, governors from South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska celebrated India's 80th Independence Day, reinforcing the bond between the U.S. and India.15
Governor Larry Rhoden remarked, "It's my honor to join you in celebrating the 80th Independence Day of India, a day that marks the freedom of India from more than a century of British rule," while Governor Greg Gianforte noted, "In Montana, we deeply appreciate the contributions of the Indian and Indian-American community to our state's cultural, educational, and economic life." Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating, "This is an important milestone that honors the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom and self-governance."
The choice of August 15 as India's Independence Day was made by Lord Mountbatten, who stated, "When I named August 15, I admit I chose the anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese in Singapore but I had to name a date, and it was a good date." This date not only marked the end of British rule but also coincided with significant historical events, including Japan's surrender in World War II.4
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The governors' messages reflect the growing ties between India and the U.S., acknowledging the contributions of Indian communities across various sectors.
"Your contributions to our economy, our schools, our healthcare system, our businesses, and our communities make Alaska a stronger place," Dunleavy added, highlighting the importance of Indian-Americans in the U.S. economy.
“Governors Rhoden, Gianforte, and Dunleavy each praised Indian-American contributions to their states, with Gianforte noting their impact on Montana's cultural, educational, and economic life. Mountbatten admitted he picked August 15 because it was the anniversary of Japan's surrender in Singapore, a date of British triumph.”
The Indian Express
Awaz The Voice
