15th August, 1947, India's independence through the eyes of world-media
To the media of the entire world, India's freedom from its colonial masters was of great importance. It was featured prominently in all newspapers, how British Empire lost India, the jewel in its crown. It was a sign of changing times. Here's how some of the major news outlets reported the Indian independence in 1947. It's quite interesting.
Ambiguous future of princely states
The New York Times showed a large map of India, as it was on August 15, 1947, on their front page. The reportage spoke about the celebration of freedom and also about the partition that came along with it. The ambiguous status of the princely states was also reported, as they were yet to decide which nationality they wanted to be a part of.
A new chapter
Washington Post's front page carried a long report on India's independence celebration. The paper wrote, "They began a new chapter of two independent dominions with celebrations in oriental pomp and splendor- marred by bloodshed, death and terror in wide sections of the country." Under the title "India achieves sovereignty, amid scenes of wild rejoicing," the report talked about Nehru's speech and Red Fort celebrations.
"Hindu India" and "Muslim Pakistan"
American news daily Chicago Tribune focused on Lord Mountbatten taking oath as the first governor-general of India. It reported on the situation of Punjab and role of Gandhi. The reportage dubbed the two newly born nations as "Hindu India" and "Muslim Pakistan." The next page had a special section on Pakistan with the "Jinnah frosty as he wins his dream of Moslem state" headline.
A kindred spirit
Ireland shared a special bond with India, as it was one of the very first British colonies to gain independence. The Irish Times' headline read, "India celebrates as Britain hands over control." The report read, "The last stroke of midnight, booming from the dome of New Delhi's Parliament buildings, set off the highest, noisiest and most joyful celebrations ever experienced in the East."
Britain's newspaper went a very different way
The Daily Telegraph, a celebrated British daily, too reported the Indian independence on its front page. However, most of it involved communication among the British and Indian political elite. Headlines such as "Indians praise Britain" and "British sagacity" adorned the reportage. Needless to say, the British masters were not very effusive about the entire matter and neither were their newspapers.
Our "tryst with destiny"
Indian news dailies, like The Times of India, the Indian Express and the Hindustan Times, covered Indian independence with due diligence. Pictures of celebration, while 'tryst with destiny' speech was being given, adorned their front pages. It also carried, as responsible news dailies, reportage on Pakistan and Jinnah's communication, as the head of the newly formed nation, with its former colonizer.
