The slogan "Do or Die"?
VerifiedAnswer: Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation:
The famous slogan "Do or Die" was given by Mahatma Gandhi during one of the most crucial phases of India's freedom struggle. This powerful phrase became synonymous with the fight for independence and represents the determination of the Indian people to achieve freedom from British colonial rule.
Gandhi coined this slogan on August 8, 1942, during the launch of the Quit India Movement at the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay (now Mumbai). The actual phrase in Hindi was "Karenge ya Marenge," which translates to "Do or Die" in English. This call to action marked the beginning of the most widespread civil disobedience movement in Indian history.
The context behind this slogan was the urgent need for immediate independence from British rule. World War II was raging, and the British had involved India in the war without consulting Indian leaders. Gandhi and the Congress felt that this was the right moment to demand complete independence, as Britain was weakened by the war and needed India's support.
The slogan conveyed a simple yet powerful message: Indians must either achieve freedom or be prepared to sacrifice their lives for it. Gandhi urged every Indian to consider themselves a free person and act accordingly. He emphasized that there was no middle path - either they would succeed in their mission to gain independence, or they would die trying.
The impact of this slogan was immediate and widespread. Within hours of Gandhi's speech, the British government arrested all major Congress leaders, including Gandhi himself. However, the movement had already gained momentum, and people across the country responded to the call with unprecedented enthusiasm and determination.
The Quit India Movement that followed saw massive participation from people of all ages and backgrounds. Students left their colleges, workers went on strike, and ordinary citizens participated in protests and acts of civil disobedience. The slogan "Do or Die" became a rallying cry that united millions of Indians in their struggle for freedom, ultimately contributing to India's independence in 1947.
