Indian National Congress Declares Purna Swaraj
December 19th, 1929
December 19th, 1929

How Long Ago?
95 years, 2 months, 24 days ago
Location
Lahore, Pakistan
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Subhas Chandra Bose
- Mahatma Gandhi
Links & References
Tags
Indian National Congress Declares Purna Swaraj
The Indian National Congress adopted the Purna Swaraj, or the Declaration of Independence of India, during its Lahore session. Led by prominent leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress asserted its commitment to complete independence from British rule. The resolution was fueled by the growing discontent among Indians towards colonial governance and aimed to unify various factions within the Indian independence movement. This declaration marked a significant shift in the struggle for freedom, emphasizing the goal of self-rule.
Purna Swaraj means complete self-rule for India.
Declared during the Lahore session of the Congress.
Led by Jawaharlal Nehru and other key leaders.
Marked a shift from dominion status to total independence.
What Happened?
In December 1929, the Indian National Congress convened its session in Lahore, a pivotal gathering in the Indian independence movement. The session was presided over by Jawaharlal Nehru, who played a crucial role in galvanizing support for the cause of India’s complete independence. It was during this session that the Congress adopted the Purna Swaraj resolution, declaring that India must strive for complete independence from British colonial rule, a departure from previous demands for dominion status. This bold stance came in the backdrop of rising tensions and increased nationalist feelings, influenced by events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the imposition of repressive policies by the British government.
The resolution called for several strategies, including non-cooperation with the British government and the mobilization of the masses to participate in the struggle for freedom. The Lahore session also emphasized the need for unity among different social groups across India, urging all Indians to contribute towards the objective of self-rule. The Congress recognized that true freedom could only be achieved through a concerted and collective effort, emphasizing Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience as fundamental approaches to the struggle.
The proclamation of Purna Swaraj inspired numerous protests, civil disobedience movements, and grassroots mobilizations across the country. It ignited a sense of nationalism that resonated far and wide, leading to increased participation from various strata of society. Notably, the Congress's call for complete independence culminated in significant political actions in the following years, contributing to a surge in the freedom movement. This commitment to self-determination brought renewed vigor to the struggle against colonialism, influencing both political discourse and social movements in India.
Why Does it Matter?
The adoption of the Purna Swaraj declaration was a defining moment in the Indian independence movement, representing a unified cry for complete independence from British rule. It shifted the goals of the Indian National Congress from seeking reforms within the colonial system to demanding total sovereignty, which inspired subsequent protests and civil disobedience campaigns. The impact of this declaration resonates in India's eventual independence, underscoring the importance of collective action in social movements.
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