Ch.18: Demands & World's reaction
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As the euphoria of independence settled, Aryan knew the struggle was far from over. The British political prisoners, including the Viceroy, were still in custody, and Aryan had a list of demands that needed to be addressed to ensure India's sovereignty and future prosperity. With a determined heart, Aryan drafted a letter to the British government, outlining India's non-negotiable terms.
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To the Government of the United Kingdom,
Subject: Demands for the Return of Political Prisoners and Restoration of Indian Sovereignty
In the wake of India's hard-fought independence, it is imperative that the following demands be met to ensure a just and equitable transition. The British Empire's exploitation of India has left deep scars, and these demands are essential for healing and rebuilding our nation.
1. **Return of Gold Reserves**: All gold reserves belonging to India and stored in the banks of the UK must be returned immediately. These reserves are the rightful property of the Indian people and are crucial for stabilizing our economy.
2. **Return of Historical and Cultural Artifacts**: The UK must return all historical and cultural artifacts stolen from India, including the Kohinoor diamond. These artifacts are not mere objects but symbols of our heritage and pride.
3. **Reparations for Economic Exploitation**: The British Empire's economic exploitation has impoverished our nation. We demand reparations to compensate for the wealth extracted from India, which will be used to rebuild our infrastructure and uplift our people.
4. **Non-interference in Indian Sovereignty**: The UK must pledge to respect India's sovereignty and refrain from any political or military interference in our internal affairs. Our independence must be absolute and inviolable.
5. **International Acknowledgement of India's Status**: The UK must lead the international community in recognizing India's status as a free and sovereign nation. This includes supporting our membership in global organizations and forums.
6. **Transfer of Technology and Knowledge**: To bridge the technological gap created by colonial rule, the UK must facilitate the transfer of technology and knowledge to India. This will empower us to advance in various fields, including industry, healthcare, and education.
7. **Educational Exchange and Support**: The UK must support educational exchanges and provide scholarships for Indian students. This will help build a generation of educated and skilled Indians who can contribute to our nation's growth.
8. **Fair Trade Agreements**: We demand the establishment of fair trade agreements that benefit both nations. These agreements must ensure that Indian goods have equitable access to British markets, fostering mutual economic growth.
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Aryan's letter was a powerful testament to India's resolve and vision for the future. As he sealed the envelope, he felt a surge of determination. The demands were not just about reclaiming what was rightfully India's but also about setting the foundation for a new era of justice, equality, and prosperity.
The letter was dispatched with urgency, and Aryan awaited the British response with bated breath. The world watched as India, under Aryan's leadership, took bold steps to secure its place on the global stage. The journey was arduous, but with unwavering resolve and the support of his people, Aryan was confident that India would rise to greatness, free from the shadows of its colonial past.
As the news of India's independence spread across the globe, world leaders reacted with a mix of surprise, admiration, and strategic contemplation.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Winston Churchill, known for his resolute demeanor, was visibly shaken. The loss of India, the "jewel in the crown," was a significant blow to the British Empire. Churchill, though a staunch opponent of Indian independence, knew that the tide of history was turning. In a private meeting with his cabinet, he cursed the Indians for their sudden declaration of independence and the withdrawal from the war effort, which left the British under immense pressure from Germany.
"Damn those barbaric people!!"
"They dare to present these outrageous demands," he said while trying to control his anger.
"If not for those Nazis, I would have shown these barbarians their place."
However, under intense international pressure, he grudgingly accepted to negotiate on India's demands.
"We must now focus on maintaining our influence through diplomacy," he declared, his voice heavy with the weight of the empire's changing fortunes.
United States
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a visionary leader with a keen sense of justice, recognizing the strategic importance of India in the ongoing war, welcomed the news with open arms. He saw India's independence as a triumph for democracy and self-determination. In a broadcast to the American people, he praised India's struggle and highlighted the importance of supporting newly independent nations. Captain America, the symbol of American ideals, stood by his side, embodying the spirit of freedom and resilience.
"India's fight for freedom is a beacon of hope for all oppressed nations," Roosevelt proclaimed, his words resonating with the promise of a new world order.
Roosevelt also emphasized the need to bring India into the Allied fold.
"By recognizing India's independence, we not only honor their struggle but also strengthen our alliance against tyranny," he added, signaling a clear intention to support and collaborate with the newly independent nation.
Germany
Adolf Hitler, consumed by his ambitions of world domination, viewed India's independence with a mixture of disdain and strategic interest. In a meeting with his top generals, he dismissed the significance of the event, focusing instead on how it might weaken the British war effort.
"This could be an opportunity to exploit the chaos and further our own goals," he mused, his eyes cold and calculating.
The Nazi regime saw India's independence not as a victory for freedom but as a potential advantage in their ruthless quest for power.
Japan
Emperor Hirohito and his military advisors saw India's independence as a pivotal moment in Asia's struggle against Western colonialism. General Hideki Tojo, the Prime Minister, expressed his admiration for India's courage and resilience.
"This is a significant step towards the liberation of Asia from Western dominance," he stated in a speech to the Japanese people. Japan, embroiled in its own conflicts, viewed India's independence as a symbol of hope and a potential ally in their vision of an Asia free from Western control.
Europe and USSR
Most European countries, deeply embroiled in the ongoing war, had little reaction to India's independence. France was largely occupied by now, and its colonies, along with those of Portugal, were integrated into India while these nations were busy defending themselves from Germany. The USSR, preoccupied with defending against the Nazi invasion, did not pay much attention to the developments in India.
The reactions of these world leaders underscored the complex and shifting dynamics of a world at war. As Aryan Yadav and the people of India celebrated their newfound freedom, they knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges. Yet, with unwavering resolve and the support of their allies, they were ready to forge a new path, free from the shadows of their colonial past.
In another bold move, Aryan Yadav, after forming the interim government, seized all British businesses that had been exploiting the Indian people. This decisive action was aimed at dismantling the economic stronghold that the British had maintained over India. Factories, plantations, and trading companies were taken under Indian control, ensuring that the wealth generated from these enterprises would now benefit the Indian populace. This move not only symbolized the end of economic exploitation but also marked the beginning of India's journey towards self-reliance and economic independence.
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