I was living in Delhi at that time in the main city – Chandni Chowk Area and studying in primary school. My elder brother took me to the hallowed Red Fort ground early in the morning. The grounds were fully packed with surging crowds and people had climbed the tree tops lining the main road. At one point I was onthe verge of being trampled and my brother who was much older realising the danger put me on his shoulders.
I vividly remember that Subhash Chandra Bose had a strong hold on the psyche of the crowd which had gathered and they were all expecting that Pandit Nehru after unfurling the flag would announce the return of Subhash Chander Bose,now that India was free and so was he to return. But when Pandit Nehru did not announce this, the crowd was so dejected and uncharitable in their that Pandit Nehru was not keen for Bose to return. People thought that at that critical juncture, the country needed a leader like Bose who could inspire the masses to make supreme sacrifices and help build a strong and united India.
A few months before independence , the communal atmosphere had become charged with emotions running high among the 2 main communities residing in the city. At night there used to slogan shouting invoking their respective Gods and this continued till wee hours. As children, we were so scared that sleep was impossible and we scarcely ventured out.
After independence, riots broke out and we heard of looting, arson and stabbing but did not witness anything. Finally my parents became very worried and decided to shift me from Delhi to our native place in Haryana, now a part of NCR. I studied there for 3 years and was therfore not a witness to tragic events like 30 Jan 1948 and happy ones like Republic Day celebrations.
With regds,
Gaur J K