Ryan Baidya suggests December 30, 1943, should be India’s true Independence Day. On this date, Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Government declared sovereignty by raising the flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This date signifies genuine political freedom, contrasting with the partial independence of August 15, 1947.
The article posits that December 30, 1943, should be recognized as India's true Independence Day rather than August 15, 1947. On December 30, 1943, the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, raised the Indian flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marking a bold declaration of Indian sovereignty. The Azad Hind Government, formed on October 21, 1943, in occupied Singapore, was recognized by several international governments and had a comprehensive administrative structure. It declared war on Britain and the United States and exercised actual governance over ceded territories, symbolizing complete political freedom.
In contrast, August 15, 1947, marked India's legal independence but under the dominion status within the British Commonwealth, accompanied by the traumatic partition of India and Pakistan. The article argues that December 30, 1943, represents total and unambiguous independence, aligning with the principles of self-determination and autonomy. Celebrating this date would honor the diverse contributions to India's independence movement, rectify historical oversights, and provide a unifying symbol of national pride and uncontested sovereignty. Recognizing December 30 as India's Independence Day would offer a more inclusive and inspiring narrative of India's path to freedom.
Furthermore, by re-evaluating the significance of December 30, 1943, and recognizing it as the true Independence Day, India can pay tribute to all the efforts and sacrifices made for its freedom, ensuring a more comprehensive and inclusive celebration of its independence.
The significance of December 30, 1943, in the context of Indian independence, is profound. This date marks the moment when the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government), led by Subhas Chandra Bose, first raised the Indian flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, asserting a bold declaration of Indian sovereignty. While August 15, 1947, is widely recognized as India's Independence Day, there are compelling reasons to consider December 30, 1943, as the true day of Indian independence. This article explores these reasons in detail.
Formation and Recognition of Azad Hind Government: The Azad Hind Government was formed on October 21, 1943, in occupied Singapore. It was recognized as a legitimate state by several governments, including Germany, Japan, Italy, Croatia, Wang Jingwei Government, Thailand, the State of Burma, Manchukuo, and the Philippines. Even the Taoiseach of Ireland, Éamon de Valera, sent a note of congratulations to Bose upon the declaration of its formation. This recognition was a significant diplomatic achievement, underscoring the legitimacy and international standing of the Provisional Government of Free India.
Structure and Administration: The Azad Hind Government was a well-organized entity with nineteen different departments for administration. Subhas Chandra Bose served as the Head of State and Prime Minister, overseeing crucial departments such as War, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Supply, Recruitment and Training, Publicity, Women’s Organization, Audit, Education, Public Works, Health & Public Welfare, Law and Order, Judicature, Burma Branch, and Post-War Planning and Reconstruction. This comprehensive administrative structure demonstrated the government's capability and readiness to govern an independent India.
Declaration of War: On October 23, 1943, the council of ministers of the Azad Hind Government passed a resolution declaring war on Britain and the United States. This bold move signified the government's commitment to the liberation of India from British colonial rule through all means necessary.
Control of Territories: On November 6, 1943, during the Far Eastern Asiatic Conference held in Tokyo, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were ceded by the Japanese to the Azad Hind Government. Subsequently, Netaji appointed Colonel Loganadan as the Chief Commissioner of the Islands. This transfer of territory marked the establishment of actual governance by the Provisional Government, further legitimizing its claim to sovereignty.
On December 30, 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose, leader of the Azad Hind Government, raised the Indian national flag in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This act was a bold declaration of complete independence from British rule, representing an unambiguous assertion of Indian sovereignty.
National Infrastructure: The Azad Hind Government had its own bank, currency, court, national anthem, and civil code. These institutions were crucial for establishing a functioning government and symbolized the exercise of sovereign powers.
Mobilization and Support: The formation of the Azad Hind Government enabled Bose to negotiate with the Japanese on an equal footing and mobilize Indians living in East Asia to join and support the Indian National Army (INA). The INA played a crucial role in the military efforts to liberate India from British rule.
August 15, 1947: Legal Independence with Constraints (a Dominion Status): On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from British rule, but it remained a dominion within the British Commonwealth. King George VI continued as the head of state until India became a republic on January 26, 1950. The dominion status meant that India's independence was not entirely free from external influence. August 15, 1947, was a Compromise.
Partition and Violence: The independence on August 15 was accompanied by the traumatic partition of India and Pakistan, leading to massive violence and displacement. This event is often remembered with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.
December 30, 1943: Symbolic and Total Independence: In contrast, December 30, 1943, represents a day of complete political freedom. The Azad Hind Government, established as a fully independent entity, was not subject to any foreign authority. This date symbolizes the uncompromising spirit of sovereignty and self-determination.
Legal Independence vs. Symbolic Freedom: While August 15, 1947, marks the legal transition of power from British authorities to Indian leaders, December 30, 1943, represents an unambiguous assertion of complete independence. The latter date signifies a moral victory and aligns with the principles of self-determination and autonomy.
The actions of the Azad Hind Government and the Indian National Army (INA) under Subhas Chandra Bose inspired many Indians and played a significant role in the broader independence movement. Even after his incognito disappearance in August 1945, the INA's campaigns rapidly spread through all branches of British India's defense forces and destabilized the British government which led them to craft an unscrupulous Indian Independence Act 1947 instrument.
The INA's campaigns demonstrated the courage and sacrifice of Indians fighting for their country. Recognizing December 30 honors this diverse and multi-faceted struggle for freedom, and celebrating December 30 would highlight these efforts and inspire future generations.
Beyond Non-violence: While the non-violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress is widely celebrated, it is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of those who believed in armed resistance. December 30 represents this alternative approach and enriches the narrative of India's independence.
Uncontested Sovereignty: December 30, 1943, could be celebrated as a day of national pride, marking the first time Indian leaders asserted complete independence without any compromise or external influence. This day symbolizes the pure and unyielding spirit of freedom.
National Unity: Recognizing December 30 could unify the country around a common narrative that honors all aspects of the independence movement, bridging the gap between different schools of thought and regional contributions.
Rectifying Neglect: The contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Government have often been overshadowed by the narrative of non-violent resistance. Celebrating December 30 would rectify this historical oversight and provide a more balanced view of India's struggle for independence.
Moral Victory: The establishment of the Azad Hind Government and the raising of the national flag in 1943 were acts of self-determination and resistance against colonial rule. 
These actions align with the moral principles of freedom and autonomy that should be the foundation of an independent nation.
Ethical Stand: Recognizing December 30 emphasizes the ethical stand against colonialism and the importance of asserting one's right to self-governance. It sends a strong message about the value of sovereignty and independence.
Several nations have altered their Independence Days to honor significant historical events and figures, demonstrating that it is not unprecedented to re-evaluate national holidays to reflect a nation's true identity and values. This supports the argument that India could consider changing its Independence Day to December 30, 1943, when the Azad Hind Government first raised the Indian flag and established a free national government, asserting true sovereignty.
Kazakhstan reintroduced Republic Day on October 25 to commemorate the 1990 Declaration of State Sovereignty, which marked the beginning of its journey towards full independence. Although Kazakhstan still celebrates December 16 as Independence Day, Republic Day is now a national holiday celebrating the principles of statehood and national identity
Namibia celebrates its independence on March 21, marking the end of South African rule in 1990. However, there have been discussions about recognizing different dates to honor earlier struggles against colonial powers and apartheid. This reflects a desire to acknowledge various pivotal moments in the nation’s path to freedom
The Philippines initially celebrated its independence on July 4, commemorating the day in 1946 when the United States formally recognized its sovereignty. However, in 1962, the Philippines moved its Independence Day to June 12, the date in 1898 when it declared independence from Spain. This change honored the earlier struggle against colonialism and emphasized a narrative of self-liberation.
Ghana celebrated its independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957. However, Ghana also recognizes Founder's Day on September 21, celebrating the birthday of Kwame Nkrumah, the country's first President and a key figure in the independence movement. This highlights the significance of honoring the leaders and moments pivotal to national identity.
These examples from Kazakhstan, Namibia, the Philippines, and Ghana illustrate how re-evaluating and changing national holidays can reflect a deeper respect for a nation's historical and cultural identity. Similarly, India adopting December 30, 1943, as its Independence Day would honor the establishment of the Azad Hind Government under Subhas Chandra Bose, marking a significant moment of true political freedom and sovereignty. This change would pay homage to the indigenous efforts of self-liberation, providing a more accurate reflection of India's struggle for independence and its national identity.
In conclusion, celebrating December 30, 1943, as India's Independence Day acknowledges the bold and uncompromising assertion of Indian sovereignty by the Azad Hind Government. It honors the diverse contributions to the independence movement, provides a unifying symbol for the nation, and aligns with the moral principles of self-determination and autonomy. While August 15, 1947, marks the legal end of British rule, December 30, 1943, represents the true spirit of India's quest for freedom. Recognizing this day would offer a more inclusive and inspiring narrative of India's path to independence.
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