Step 1: Understanding the question
The question asks to identify the political leader who was absent from the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 1947. While many leaders central to India's independence were present at the ceremonies marking the end of British rule, M.K. Gandhi did not attend.
Step 2: Analyzing the options
- (A) Jawaharlal Nehru → Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the inaugural Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, heralding the establishment of independent India.
- (B) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar → Dr. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution, participated in the celebrations and the formation of the new government.
- (C) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel → Sardar Patel was actively involved in the celebrations, holding a prominent position among the key leaders of the independence movement.
- (D) M.K. Gandhi → M.K. Gandhi, despite his leadership in the independence struggle, opted not to attend the 1947 Independence Day celebrations, citing his profound disappointment with the partition and the ensuing violence.
Step 3: Conclusion
The correct answer is (D) M.K. Gandhi, as he did not participate in the 1947 Independence Day celebrations.