🌟 Introduction: Why the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj Matters to Us All
Foundation Day of Azad Hind Fauj: When we talk about the struggle for India’s independence, many stories come to mind — non-violent movements, long marches, salt satyagrahas. But one of the boldest and often less-discussed chapters is that of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj.
- 🌟 Introduction: Why the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj Matters to Us All
- 📜 History: How the Azad Hind Fauj Came into Being
- The Early Seed: Indian Volunteers in WWII
- The First INA (1942)
- The Revival under Netaji Bose and the Foundation Day (21 October 1943)
- 🕰 Timeline: Key Milestones in the Life of the Azad Hind Fauj
- 📊 Seven Striking Facts About the Azad Hind Fauj
- 🧭 Significance: Why the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj Matters
- 🎉 Observance & How People Commemorate the Day
- 💬 Wishing Messages for Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj
- 🎯 Importance in Our Daily Life & Society
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 🧩 Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj’s Foundation Day
The Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj – observed annually on 21 October – marks a moment of daring in India’s freedom journey, when a volunteer army led by Subhas Chandra Bose took a dramatic step toward armed resistance and reclaiming dignity for the nation. Press Information Bureau+3Insights IAS+3Organiser+3
Why does that matter today? Because beyond the conflict and military campaigns lies a story of sacrifice, unity, identity, courage and hope—attributes we can draw upon in our daily lives and for our society. In this article, we’ll explore the full story: history, facts, timeline, significance, observance, FAQs, its impact on life and society — all in a human-friendly, emotionally engaged manner.
📜 History: How the Azad Hind Fauj Came into Being
The Early Seed: Indian Volunteers in WWII
During World War II, many Indian soldiers in the British Indian Army found themselves fighting abroad, in regions such as Malaya, Singapore, Burma. Some were captured and became prisoners of war. Into this environment stepped Indian revolutionaries who saw an opportunity to raise an army for liberation.
The First INA (1942)
The first effort at forming the INA was led by Mohan Singh in 1942 with Japanese assistance. Insights IAS+1 While it did not fully succeed or become widely known, it laid groundwork.
The Revival under Netaji Bose and the Foundation Day (21 October 1943)
When Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Southeast Asia, he reorganised the INA and proclaimed the formation of the provisional government of free India (“Arzi Hukumat‑e‑Azad Hind”) and the Azad Hind Fauj as its army. This pivotal event is dated to 21 October 1943. Wikipedia+2Insights IAS+2
That day, Bose announced the intention of this force to ally with the Japanese (and other Axis powers) to fight British rule in India. Insights IAS+1
🕰 Timeline: Key Milestones in the Life of the Azad Hind Fauj
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 1942 | Mohan Singh’s initial INA forms, largely from Indian POWs in Singapore. Wikipedia+1 |
| June 1943 | Subhas Chandra Bose arrives in Southeast Asia to take over leadership. Wikipedia+1 |
| 21 October 1943 | Official foundation of the Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind and by extension the Azad Hind Fauj. (Foundation Day) Insights IAS+1 |
| 23 October 1943 | Azad Hind Government declares war on Britain and the U.S. as part of its campaign. Wikipedia+1 |
| April 1944 | INA troops reach Moirang (Manipur) and hoist the tricolour on Indian soil – symbolic moment. Press Information Bureau+1 |
| August 1945 | With Japan’s surrender and Bose’s disappearance, the movement loses its momentum and INA begins to dissolve. Wikipedia+1 |
📊 Seven Striking Facts About the Azad Hind Fauj
The motto of the Provisional Government of Free India was “Ittehad, Itmad aur Qurbani” (Unity, Faith and Sacrifice). Wikipedia
The INA under Bose became the largest volunteer army in India’s freedom struggle (though precise numbers vary). Wikipedia+1
On Foundation Day 21 Oct, events are held across India and Southeast Asia to commemorate this legacy. Press Information Bureau+1
The INA included the “Rani of Jhansi Regiment”, the first all-women combat unit in Indian independence history, launched under Azad Hind. ahfsm.ac.in
Although the Azad Hind Government and INA did not succeed in militarily liberating India, their efforts had a profound impact on Indian morale and British policy.
The INA’s slogan “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja” became iconic among freedom fighters and remains widely used. Press Information Bureau+1
The Foundation Day is increasingly recognised by states and central government with commemorations, honoring veterans and freedom fighters. Organiser+1
🧭 Significance: Why the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj Matters
National Identity & Pride
The formation of the Azad Hind Fauj represented a radical re-imagining of India’s freedom struggle—from petitioning colonial rulers to actively organising for liberation. It signalled to Indians that self-rule (Swaraj) was not just a dream but could be seized with courage.
Sacrifice & Unity
The INA brought together Indians from various regions, religions, castes, backgrounds—showing that unity of purpose in freedom mattered more than divisions of the time.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Today, Foundation Day serves as a reminder of what dedication and belief can achieve. It’s not merely historical but morally instructive: self-confidence, refusal to accept subjugation, and a spirit of service.
Societal Renewal
The legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj encourages civic values: sacrifice for the collective good, responsibility to community and nation, honoring the fallen. On a personal level, it reminds us that the price of freedom is constant vigilance and service.
🎉 Observance & How People Commemorate the Day
Every year on 21 October, schools, universities and cultural institutions in India hold special assemblies, guest lectures, and commemorative events about the Azad Hind Fauj and Subhas Chandra Bose. Press Information Bureau
In Manipur (Moirang) – where the tricolour was raised by the INA – special ceremonies are held, involving veterans, local communities, and youth events. Press Information Bureau
Social media posts, tribute articles, and messages from political leaders mark the day, underlining the ongoing relevance. Organiser
Some organisations conduct lectures or state-level functions highlighting wartime archives, INA veterans’ stories, and the Azad Hind Government’s legacy.
💬 Wishing Messages for Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj
On this Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj, let us honour the legacy of unfaltering courage and unwavering patriotism. Jai Hind!
May the spirit of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the brave soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj inspire us all to serve our nation with selflessness and pride.
21 October marks the birth of a bold chapter in our freedom journey. Remembering the Azad Hind Fauj today — and every day.
Let this day remind us that freedom is preserved not only with words, but with sacrifice, unity and action. Tributes to the Azad Hind Fauj!
🎯 Importance in Our Daily Life & Society
Personal Development
Courage to take a stand: Just as the Azad Hind Fauj chose action over complacency, we are reminded to stand up for what’s right in our everyday lives—be it social justice, ethics at work, or community service.
Sacrifice and service: Freedom fighters gave up so much; this teaches us that true satisfaction often comes from giving beyond ourselves—volunteering, helping others, contributing to society.
Unity and teamwork: The INA’s diverse makeup underscores that collective action and solidarity amplify impact. At work, in communities, families, teamwork matters.
Societal Impact
Strengthening national memory: Recognising the Azad Hind Fauj’s Foundation Day helps keep alive stories that might otherwise fade—so younger generations see a fuller picture of the independence struggle.
Empowerment of marginalised voices: The inclusion of women in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, Indians in diaspora, and colonial-army POWs in the INA shows that every voice matters. This relevance continues today in inclusive democratic societies.
Civic responsibility: The Foundation Day is not just history, it’s a civic call. It reminds citizens that democracy, liberty and rights must be protected. We are part of the legacy.
Cultural Continuity
Through commemorations, songs, events (“Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja!”), the Foundation Day keeps alive cultural elements of the freedom struggle. This continuity connects past, present and future.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What exactly is the “Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj”?
It marks the anniversary of when the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) under Netaji declared its formation for Indian independence. The date is 21 October 1943. Insights IAS+1
Q2. Why is 21 October chosen?
21 October is historically cited as the day Netaji announced the formation of the provisional government of free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) and by extension the army, in Singapore. Wikipedia
Q3. Who were the main leaders of the Azad Hind Fauj?
The main figure was Subhas Chandra Bose, who took leadership of the INA, and many other commanders including General Shah Nawaz Khan, Lieutenant-Colonel Prem Sehgal, G.S. Dhillon. Wikipedia
Q4. What was the role of the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle?
While the INA did not directly free India by force, it played a powerful role in shaping Indian nationalism, raising morale, influencing British decisions, and reminding Indians of the possibility of empowered resistance.
Q5. How is Foundation Day observed now?
Through school functions, veteran remembrance, cultural programmes, media tributes and state commemorations across India (and among diaspora). Press Information Bureau+1
Q6. What are some lesser-known facts about the Azad Hind Fauj?
The unit included the Rani of Jhansi Regiment — the first official women’s combat regiment in Indian history under this plan. ahfsm.ac.in
🧩 Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj’s Foundation Day
The Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj is more than a date in a calendar—it’s a reminder of a moment when ambition, courage, sacrifice and faith converged to challenge imperial power.
Here’s what we carry forward:
Freedom is won and preserved by those willing to act, not just hope.
Unity across regions, religions and identities strengthens the collective cause.
Memory of sacrifice builds moral strength in society; forgetting it weakens us.
Daily life deserves reflection of these values: integrity, self-lessness, service and pride.
In modern India—where challenges range from social inequality, environmental crisis, global competition—it is fitting that the spirit of the Azad Hind Fauj inspires us to act, unite and serve.
On this Foundation Day, may we not only remember the brave soldiers of the INA, but also renew our commitment: to be responsible citizens, to stand for justice, to protect freedom, and to build a society that honours the legacy of those who fought for India’s dignity.
Let every 21 October be a day of reflection, of tribute, and of renewed resolve.
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
