The concept of “Purna Swaraj” or “Complete Independence” and the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1929 are pivotal in the history of India’s struggle for independence.
- Background:
- By the late 1920s, there was growing discontent among Indian nationalists with the slow pace of constitutional reforms introduced by the British government. The Simon Commission’s exclusion of Indian members in 1928 further fueled resentment, leading to widespread protests across India.
- The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and Motilal Nehru, advocated for more radical measures to achieve independence, including non-cooperation and civil disobedience.
- The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929 was held against this backdrop of growing nationalist sentiment and demands for complete independence.
- Personalities Involved:
- Jawaharlal Nehru: A prominent leader within the Indian National Congress, Nehru played a crucial role in shaping the party’s radical stance towards British rule. He was deeply committed to the idea of Purna Swaraj and became its vocal advocate during the Lahore Session.
- Mahatma Gandhi: Although not officially part of the Congress leadership at the time, Gandhi’s influence was profound. His philosophy of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience deeply influenced the decisions made at the Lahore Session. Gandhi’s call for Purna Swaraj resonated with the sentiments of many Indians yearning for complete independence.
- Motilal Nehru: A senior leader within the Congress and father of Jawaharlal Nehru, Motilal Nehru played a significant role in guiding the party’s strategy during this period. He was involved in drafting key resolutions and advocating for more assertive action against British rule.
- Impact and Outcome:
- Adoption of Purna Swaraj Resolution: The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress marked the adoption of the Purna Swaraj resolution, declaring the Congress’s demand for complete independence from British rule. The resolution declared January 26, 1930, as the “Independence Day” and called for nationwide celebrations.
- Launch of Civil Disobedience Movement: In response to the adoption of the Purna Swaraj resolution, Mahatma Gandhi announced the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The movement aimed to challenge British authority through non-violent means and mobilize mass participation in acts of civil disobedience.
- Boycott of Simon Commission: The Lahore Session reaffirmed the Congress’s decision to boycott the Simon Commission and reject its recommendations, which were seen as inadequate and unrepresentative of Indian interests.
- Symbolism of Independence Day: The declaration of January 26, 1930, as Independence Day symbolized the Indian National Congress’s commitment to achieving complete independence from British rule. This date would later be adopted as the Republic Day of India after independence in 1947.
- Background:
- The Lahore Session and the adoption of the Purna Swaraj resolution represented a significant assertion of Indian nationalist aspirations and marked a shift towards more assertive and radical methods of resistance against British rule.
- The session also demonstrated the Congress’s ability to lead and unite the Indian nationalist movement, laying the groundwork for future mass mobilization and agitation against colonial rule.
In summary, the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in 1929 and the adoption of the Purna Swaraj resolution were watershed moments in India’s struggle for independence. They symbolized the growing determination of Indian nationalists to achieve complete independence from colonial domination and laid the groundwork for future mass movements that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.
