India, Aug. 14 -- As we celebrate the 79th anniversary of our Independence, one is inevitably reminded of the grand festivities during the Golden Jubilee [2.0]. I fondly recall the numerous midnight functions organised to mark our "Freedom at Midnight", along with the concomitant inconveniences of participating with groggy eyes! Mercifully, this time around, we are spared such nocturnal celebrations. Yet, a question continues to linger in our minds: why on earth did we choose to be free at such an unearthly hour? Was it by choice or by compulsion? What was so special about that midnight hour for our "tryst with destiny"? If you have ever wondered, there hangs a fascinating, lesser-known tale that I recount below.

To answer these question...