New Nation of India Documentary Jawaharlal Nehru Mohandas Gandhi 15534 (1949)

Synopsis

This educational film "India, Asia’s New Voice" was produced by The March of Time and dates to 1949, just two years after Indian Independence. At the time, the West greatly feared that India, like China, might succumb to Communism. The film recaps the events leading up to independence from the British, including the Partition of India and Pakistan. The film starts in January of 1949 as the voice of India's new Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is heard. He speaks out to, and for, the over 320 million newly liberated Indians – and for all Asia as well. Newscasters speak over radio broadcasts announcing to the world that “a resurgent New Asia no longer intends to take a secondary role in world affairs”. Map of Asia is shown 1:00. General Chiang Kai-shek steps down after 22 years 1:20. The hope of salvaging democracy in Asia was left to India 1:50. In 1921 Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi comes on the world stage 2:21. In World War II, the British send Sir Stafford Cripps to offer India dominion status when the war should end. Viscount Mountbatten creates feeling of good will and in 1947 the new Indian government is formed. Pakistan is separated, 3:25. The Punjab is separated as well. Mass killings ensue, 3:41. Mass migration out of India; people leave Pakistan and move to India. Muslims move in the other direction to Pakistan 4:28. 10 million people are uprooted 4:33. Camps along the side of the road 4:53. Railroad system is inadequate for the traveling strain 5:14. Armed guards are…

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Details

Running time

17 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage