Independence Day is just around the corner, and even though we’ve turned 70, it’s a pity that India is still plagued with so many problems. We just did a post on how Jawahar Lal Nehru’s Tryst With Destiny speech needs to be revoked, and as our build up to the day, we’re listing down some interesting and unknown facts that need to be known.

Five other countries share their Independence Day with India

Korea (North and South), Congo, Liechtenstein and Bahrain also celebrate their independence on August 15.

India didn’t have a national anthem when they became independent

It was only in 1950, that Rabindra Nath Tagore’ Jana Gana Mana was adopted.

The rupee was equivalent to a dollar

It’s such a pity that now you have to pay around Rs. 65 (depending on the conversion rate) to get 1 US$. When India became independent, a rupee was equal to a dollar. Really, where did we go wrong?

The Independence Day was scheduled to take place in June

We all may have had our national holiday in June, but Lord Mountbatten decided on August 15 since it was the second anniversary of Japan surrendering to the might of the allied forces, and the end of World War 2.

The flag was raised by Jawahar Lal Nehru above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort

Even today, the flag is hoisted at this place by the Prime Minister of the country.