The year was 1942. Monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean had already arrived. With them the news of vigorous naval battles also came. World had become bipolar, India too was on the boil, waiting to unshackle the chains of age old slavery. At this juncture Sir Stafford Cripps came with an offer of dominion status in return of India's support for the war. The British offered allegiance to Queen in lieu of self-rule but did not realize the likes of Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad hadn't sacrificed their lives for dominion status. Demand of freedom fighters across the country was unanimous and it was for 'Poorna Swaraj', total independence. Therefore, on the eve of 8th August, 1942 Gandhi ji gave a clarion call to the nation. He said, "Here is a mantra, a short one that I give you. You may imprint it on your hearts and let every breath of yours give expression to it. The mantra is: 'Karo ya Maro', ‘Do or Die’."
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