What clarion call did Mahatma Gandhi make to the nation on the eve of 8 August 1942?

The correct answer is Do or Die.

Key Points

• Do or Die was the slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi during his speech on the eve of the Quit India Movement on 8 August 1942.
• This slogan symbolized the determination to achieve India's independence from British rule, even at the cost of one's life.
• It was delivered at the historic session of the All India Congress Committee held at Gowalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan) in Mumbai.
• The Quit India Movement was officially launched the next day, 9 August 1942, and marked a crucial phase in India's freedom struggle.
• The movement called for mass nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience across the country, urging Indians to act decisively against British colonialism.

Additional Information

• Quit India Movement:
  • Also known as the Bharat Chhodo Andolan, it was one of the most significant movements in the Indian independence struggle.
  • It was initiated by the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.
  • It emphasized the principle of nonviolent resistance to achieve complete independence.
  • The British government responded with mass arrests, suppression, and violence, but the movement gained widespread support across India.
• Gowalia Tank Maidan:
  • This historic location in Mumbai is where Mahatma Gandhi delivered the "Do or Die" speech.
  • It has since been renamed August Kranti Maidan to commemorate the Quit India Movement.
• Impact of the Quit India Movement:
  • The movement marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence, galvanizing public support against British rule.
  • Although the movement faced heavy suppression, it succeeded in creating strong anti-colonial sentiment.
  • It laid the groundwork for India's eventual independence in 1947.
• Nonviolent Resistance:
  • Also known as Satyagraha, it was a cornerstone of Gandhi's philosophy and strategy in the freedom struggle.
  • It involved peaceful protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience as tools to challenge injustice and oppression.