Today is October 21. On this day in 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose founded the provisional government of independent India, the 'Azad Hind Government,' in Singapore. Bose became its first Prime Minister and also held the titles of President, Prime Minister, and Minister of War. He carefully assembled his cabinet with dedicated leaders: A. C. Chatterjee managed finance, S. A. Ayer took charge of publicity, and Lakshmi Swaminathan led the Ministry of Women's Affairs. Additionally, many officers from Bose's Azad Hind Fauj were included. This government garnered recognition from countries like Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, China, Italy, Manchukuo, and Ireland.
Before Bose, another government was established outside India in 1915 by the Indian Independence Committee in Kabul, with Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh as President and Maulana Barkatullah as Prime Minister. This government was supported by the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
How the Azad Hind Government was Established Abroad
According to a BBC report referencing Dr. Rajendra Patodia's book 'Netaji Subhas,' while residing in Germany, Bose was invited by Rasbihari Bose, founder of the Azad Hind Fauj in Japan. On July 4, 1943, in a ceremony at Cathay Building in Singapore, Rasbihari Bose handed over the command of the Azad Hind Fauj to Subhas Chandra Bose.
Subsequently, as the Supreme Commander of Azad Hind, Bose established the provisional government of free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943. Recognized by nations like Germany, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, China, Ireland, and others, its primary goal was to fight against the British during World War II. Japan supported the Azad Hind Fauj, attracting Indians living abroad to join its ranks.
The Azad Hind Fauj Hoisted Its Flag in 1944
For the first time on March 19, 1944, the Azad Hind Fauj members raised the flag in the country. With help from locals and members like Colonel Shaukat Malik, the national flag was hoisted in Moirang. On July 6, 1944, Bose broadcast a message from the Rangoon radio station to Gandhi Ji, clarifying his stance and asking for support.
On March 21, 1944, under the slogan 'Chalo Delhi,' the Azad Hind Fauj entered Indian territory. Subhas Chandra Bose formed the government of Azad Hind in Singapore and this organization had its origins in Tokyo, Japan, established by Rasbihari Bose in 1942.
Today's Major Events
October 21 is observed as Police Martyrs' Day to honor the sacrifice of police officers. This tradition started after the sacrifice of officers in Ladakh in 1959. On October 21, 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened in New York, showcasing modern and contemporary art. On October 21, 1296, Alauddin Khilji ascended the throne of Delhi. On October 21, 1934, Jaiprakash Narayan founded the Congress Socialist Party. Also, on October 21, 1954, India and France signed an agreement to incorporate Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Mahe into the Indian Republic.
