A radio archive in Delhi plays an old recording for a group of students. The speech was made to the members of the body that was framing India's Constitution. The speaker speaks of a pledge made long years ago, and declares that the time has now come to redeem it, though not wholly or in full measure. The students listen closely to the speech and are then asked to place it in its time and to name the leader who gave it.
When was this speech given?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → On 14 August 1947, on the eve of Independence
Option (1) On 9 December 1946, the first day the Assembly met — Incorrect. 9 December 1946 was the first sitting of the Assembly. The "tryst with destiny" speech came later, on the night freedom arrived.
Option (2) On 14 August 1947, on the eve of Independence — Correct. Nehru spoke in the Constituent Assembly at midnight on 14 August 1947. Freedom came the next day, so the speech belongs to the eve of Independence. The pledge he now redeems is the pledge of freedom.
Option (3) On 13 December 1946, when the Objectives Resolution was moved — Incorrect. Nehru did move the Objectives Resolution in December 1946. That speech set out the ideals of the Constitution, months before freedom came.
Option (4) On 26 January 1950, when the Constitution came into effect — Incorrect. On 26 January 1950 the Constitution came into effect. By then the pledge speech was more than two years old.
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