Why was January 26th 1930, an important day for India?

January 26th is celebrated as our Republic Day. But 20 years before India became a republic, the date 26th January had great significance for Indians. For it was on this day, in 1930, that the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj, or complete freedom from the British Raj as its goal.

 One option before the Congress was to demand dominion status, under which India would have still remained at least nominally under British rule. The Congress rejected this option, and instead asked for Purna Swaraj, which means complete independence. The Congress declared 26th January as ‘Independence Day’.

 

In fact, until India became independent on 15th August 1947, it was 26th January that was observed as Independence Day by freedom fighters throughout the land. After Independence, the date was chosen as Republic Day since August 15th was already our Independence Day.