The term “Purna Swaraj,” meaning “complete self-rule” or “total independence,” refers to a significant resolution that the Indian National Congress passed at its Lahore session in December 1929. This resolution demanded India’s full independence from British control and was publicly proclaimed on January 26, 1930.
Key Points:
- The Purna Swaraj resolution came after the Indian National Congress (INC) had been advocating for greater self-governance, but the British government’s response was seen as insufficient.
- The resolution was passed at the Lahore session of the INC in December 1929, with Jawaharlal Nehru as the president.
- The resolution was publicly declared on January 26, 1930, and the INC urged Indians to celebrate this day as “Independence Day”.
- The Purna Swaraj resolution marked a crucial moment in India’s fight for freedom, as it changed the goal from seeking Dominion status to striving for complete independence.
- The resolution was a crucial step that led to the Civil Disobedience Movement, championed by Mahatma Gandhi, with the goal of achieving total independence through peaceful means.
- January 26th is celebrated as India’s Republic Day, commemorating the day the Purna Swaraj resolution was declared.
- Jawaharlal Nehru played a key role in the Lahore session and the subsequent movement for Purna Swaraj.
