• This thought provoking article makes a case for shifting India’s Independence Day to December 30 because on this day Netaji Bose’s INA raised the Indian flag for the first time in Port Blair. Conversely, on August 15 India achieved only Dominion Status. 

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 Netaji 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 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.

National Symbols and Governance 

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.

Comparative Analysis: August 15, 1947, vs. December 30, 1943

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. 

What does Dominion Status mean in simple language?

Sahil Beg wrote in the Indian Express, “Dominions were autonomous communities within the British Empire which were “equal in status” but had an “allegiance to the Crown”. What it meant was that King George VI continued to reign as the Emperor of India and Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor-General of the country. Nehru was sworn in as the premier, but served on the command of the British Governor-General, and unelected Indian nationalist leaders were administered oaths in the name of the British King-Emperor. What it also meant was that a British field marshall led the Indian army and judges appointed by the British continued to be part of the high courts and the federal court.” Read Real Independence did not come in 1947

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. 

Netaji pratima in New Delhi. 

Logical and Moral Considerationsmso-outline

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 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.  

2. Comprehensive Historical Narrative

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. Read How INA contributed to India’s Independence

3. December 30, 1943, is a Unifying Symbol - A Day of National Pride

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. 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.

4. Addressing Historical Oversights

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.

5. Principle of Self-determination

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.

To Re-evaluate Independence Day is not unprecedented

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, by adopting December 30 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.

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.

Atleast we should change the day from August 15 to December 30. This will require Indians to answer a fundamental question – who and what got India independence. The two dates actually represent two different movements.  

References and Citations  

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azad_Hind

2. Bose, S.C. (1943). "Provisional Government of Free India." Historical Documents.

3. Indian Independence Act of 1947. (1947). Legal Archives.

4. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1947/30/pdfs/ukpga_19470030_en.pdf

5. https://astanatimes.com/2023/10/kazakhstans-republic-day-milestone-for-independence-and-sovereignty/

6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Philippines)

Ryan Baidya       is an entrepreneur, educator, and a mentor, lives and works at Silicon Valley, California.  He has written numerous articles, commentaries and books on various subjects in the USA, India, and Japan.  He was a fellow of the Damon Runyon Walter-Winchell Foundation, and a Fulbright specialist for the US Department of State Fulbright Program.

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