The First Swaraj Diwas

 

The First Swaraj Diwas (Self-Rule Day) was celebrated on *January 26, 1930, marking a historic moment in India’s freedom struggle. This day is significant because it was the first time the Indian National Congress (INC) officially declared **Purna Swaraj* (complete independence) as its ultimate goal, breaking away from the earlier demand for Dominion Status within the British Empire. Here’s the full story:

Background

1. *Simon Commission and Protests (1928)*:

   - The British government sent the Simon Commission to India in 1928 to propose constitutional reforms, but it had no Indian representation, which led to widespread protests.

   - This fueled the growing demand for complete independence among Indians.

2. *Nehru Report (1928)*:

   - In response, Indian leaders like *Motilal Nehru* drafted the *Nehru Report*, demanding Dominion Status for India.

   - However, when the British failed to respond to these demands, many leaders, including *Jawaharlal Nehru* and *Subhas Chandra Bose*, began advocating for full independence.

3. *Lahore Session of 1929*:

   - At the historic *Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress* in December 1929, under the presidency of *Jawaharlal Nehru, the resolution for **Purna Swaraj* (Complete Independence) was passed.

   - It was decided that *January 26, 1930, would be celebrated as **Independence Day* (Swaraj Diwas), when Indians would pledge their commitment to achieving complete freedom.

 

The First Swaraj Diwas: January 26, 1930

1. *Pledge of Independence*:

   - On this day, people across India took the *Independence Pledge*, which began with the lines:

     "We believe that it is the inalienable right of the Indian people, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth."

   - The pledge emphasized self-rule and non-cooperation with the British government.

2. *Nationwide Observance*:

   - The day was observed with enthusiasm across the country, with flag hoisting ceremonies, marches, and public gatherings.

   - The tricolor flag (associated with the freedom movement) was unfurled at numerous places.

 

3. *Impact on the Freedom Struggle*:

   - This declaration gave the freedom struggle a more unified and assertive direction.

   - It also laid the foundation for the *Civil Disobedience Movement* launched by Mahatma Gandhi later in 1930, starting with the *Dandi March*.

 Legacy of January 26

- When India achieved independence on *August 15, 1947, leaders chose **January 26, 1950, as the date to enforce the **Constitution of India* and declare India a *sovereign, democratic republic. This was done to honor the significance of **Swaraj Diwas* in the freedom movement.

- Since then, January 26 has been celebrated annually as *Republic Day* in India.

 

The first Swaraj Diwas in 1930 remains a pivotal moment in India’s history, symbolizing the shift from compromise to the unwavering demand for complete independence.