Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

Celebrating 75 Years of Independence

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is a landmark initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements. This national movement is dedicated to the citizens of India who have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s journey and who continue to hold the power and potential to realise the vision of India 2.0, guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Beginning of the Mahotsav

The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12 March 2021 from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad. On this historic occasion, a symbolic Dandi Yatra was flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, marking a 75-week countdown to the 75th anniversary of Independence. The celebrations extend beyond Independence Day 2022 and will conclude on 15 August 2023, reflecting a year-long national celebration.

Nationwide and Global Participation

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has been powered by the enthusiasm, patriotism, and participation of citizens across the world. Events and initiatives under AKAM have spanned the length and breadth of India, covering all States and Union Territories, and have also reached over 150 countries globally.

To date, more than 1.5 lakh events have been organised under the aegis of AKAM, making it one of the largest participatory movements in India’s history.

Janbhagidari: A Whole-of-Society Approach

A defining feature of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is Janbhagidari (people’s participation). Citizens from all walks of life have actively contributed to programmes initiated by government institutions, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and community groups, reflecting a true ‘Whole of Society’ approach.

Har Ghar Tiranga Initiative

The Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, held in August 2022, became a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. During the campaign, over six crore selfies with the national flag were recorded. Citizens across India and abroad participated enthusiastically in Tiranga Rallies, reinforcing a deep emotional connect with the Tricolour.

Remembering the Unsung Heroes

An important pillar of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the commemoration of Unsung Heroes of India’s freedom struggle. The AKAM website hosts a dedicated section highlighting lesser-known freedom fighters whose sacrifices were crucial yet remain unfamiliar to newer generations.

The Mahotsav calendar includes events marking birth and death anniversaries of freedom fighters and milestones of the Independence movement. Special picture books chronicling the contributions of women and tribal freedom fighters have also been released, helping children connect with stories of courage and sacrifice.

Digital District Repository: Local Histories, National Legacy

The Digital District Repository is a unique AKAM initiative that documents district-wise narratives of India’s history and heritage. It emphasises that history is shaped not only by landmark events but also by local incidents that triggered transformative change.

Remarkable stories—such as the existence of prison cells within an IIT campus or the Hijli firing, where unarmed prisoners were shot inside what later became an IIT—bring lesser-known historical episodes to light and deepen public understanding of India’s past.

Amrit Kaal: Looking Towards India@100

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav also focuses on the future as India enters the Amrit Kaal, the journey towards India@100. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific temper are central to this vision.

Initiatives such as the Smart India Hackathon 2022 provide students with a national platform to solve real-world challenges, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.

Celebrating Science and Innovation

To promote scientific awareness, a week-long event titled ‘Vigyan Sarvatra Pujyate’ was organised at 75 locations across the country, celebrating the role of science and scientists in national development. Owing to its success, the initiative is being repeated with greater scope and scale.

Another significant programme, ‘Swadeshi Scientists’, highlights the contributions of scientists to the freedom struggle and their role in advancing India’s self-reliance goals.

Philatelic Tribute

Department of Posts is delighted to issue a set of 2 Commemorative Postage Stamp on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and salutes the Spirit of India—a nation proud of its rich past and heritage, united in the present, and committed to shaping the future of Vishwa Guru Bharat.