The significant “Poorna Swaraj” declaration was formally announced on January 26, 1930, marking the commencement of the ultimate stage in India’s fight for freedom, with the objective of achieving complete independence from British rule.
Republic Day: The backdrop of the 1920s :
The Non-Cooperation Movement abruptly ended in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, as Mahatma Gandhi deemed the nation “not yet ready” for non-violent protest methods. The 1920s saw diminished mobilization compared to earlier movements. In 1927, the Simon Commission, an all-European team led by Sir John Simon, was tasked by British Authorities to discuss political reforms in India, causing widespread discontent. “Simon Go Back” became the rallying cry for protests, spreading nationwide, a notable resurgence since 1922. In response, the INC formed its commission led by Motilal Nehru. The Nehru Report, influenced by the Balfour Declaration of 1926, demanded dominion status for India within the Empire, echoing the autonomy granted to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This marked a crucial phase in India’s quest for self-governance within the British Commonwealth of Nations.
Internal discord within the Congress: Opting for a Dominion or a Republic?
Significantly, even within the Congress, the Nehru Report faced opposition. Emerging leaders like Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, Motilal’s son, advocated for India to sever all ties with the British Empire. They contended that under dominion status, despite a degree of autonomy, the British Parliament and Crown would retain influence in Indian affairs. Crucially, according to both Bose and Nehru, obtaining dominion status would implicate India in colonial exploitation, particularly in other parts of the British Empire, such as Africa. Embracing a more radical perspective than their predecessors, Bose and Nehru viewed anti-colonialism not merely as a local concern for India but through a global lens. Contrastingly, Gandhi strongly advocated for dominion status, seeing it as a positive move in India’s anti-colonial struggle. However, his stance would eventually evolve.
Viceroy Irwin reneges on his promise :
In 1929, Viceroy Irwin’s vague Irwin Declaration suggested eventual dominion status for India, receiving positive reactions in India but stirring opposition in Britain. The British, valuing India as a vital colony especially during economic downturns, pressured Irwin to retract. During discussions with leaders like Gandhi and Jinnah, Irwin admitted the inability to guarantee dominion status soon. This pivotal moment galvanized Congress, frustrated by British reform delays. Indians, disillusioned by the lack of progress, began endorsing more “radical” goals, including the pursuit of a fully independent republic. The reversal of Irwin’s stance intensified the quest for autonomy, marking a turning point as India shifted toward more assertive demands for self-governance.
Proclamation of Poorna Swaraj :
The December 1929 session of the INC held in Lahore saw the adoption of the momentous “Poorna Swaraj” resolution on December 19. Signifying “total self-rule/sovereignty,” the resolution stated, “The British government in India has not only deprived the Indian people of their freedom but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined India economically, politically, culturally and spiritually…. Therefore…India must sever the British connection and attain Poorna Swaraj or complete independence.”
Officially proclaimed on January 26, 1930, this Declaration of Independence prompted the Congress’s call for Indians to joyously commemorate “independence” on that day. Congress party workers raised the Indian tricolor nationwide, singing patriotic songs as the country reshaped its path towards Independence. The resolution also included an endorsement of Gandhian nonviolent protest methods, which commenced shortly after the celebration of Poorna Swaraj Day. Historian Mithi Mukherjee, in “India under the Shadows of Empire,” asserts that the Poorna Swaraj declaration marked a crucial turning point for India’s freedom struggle. With this declaration, India’s national movement transitioned “from the language of charity to the language of justice.”
Republic Day in India after gaining Independence:
From 1930 until India achieved independence in 1947, January 26 was observed as “Independence Day” or “Poorna Swaraj Day,” serving as a moment for Indians to renew their dedication to sovereignty. However, India gained independence from British rule on August 15, precisely two years after the Japanese surrendered to the Allies, marking the conclusion of World War II. As historian Ramchandra Guha noted, “freedom finally came on a day that resonated with imperial pride rather than nationalist sentiment.”
Hence, when leaders had to choose a day to enact India’s new constitution, January 26 was considered fitting. Beyond its existing nationalist importance, this date resonated with the spirit of the “Poorna Swaraj” declaration from two decades prior. Although today’s Republic Day festivities differ significantly from the observance of Poorna Swaraj Day during the British Raj, January 26 continues to serve as a solemn reminder of India’s path to self-rule.
