CM Rekha Gupta Salutes Azad Hind Fauj on Foundation Day

Key Takeaways

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta posted a tribute on 21 October 2026 to mark the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj .

The Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) was established on 21 October 1943 in Singapore by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose .

Netaji simultaneously declared the Provisional Government of Free India , making it both a military and political milestone.

CM Gupta described the soldiers' courage, sacrifice, and patriotism as 'a golden chapter of India's freedom struggle'.

Indian political leaders across parties observe this anniversary annually, recognising the armed resistance stream of the independence movement.

The next major Netaji commemoration is his birth anniversary on 23 January .

On the 84th Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta offered her tribute to the soldiers who gave everything for India's freedom — honouring a chapter of the independence struggle that burns as bright today as it did in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

Posting on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, CM Gupta wrote in Hindi: 'आजाद हिंद फौज के स्थापना दिवस पर मां भारती की स्वाधीनता के लिए अपना सर्वस्व अर्पित करने वाले वीर सेनानियों को कोटि-कोटि नमन।' — 'On the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj, I bow countless times to the brave soldiers who dedicated everything to the freedom of Mother India.' She described the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism displayed under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as 'a golden chapter of India's freedom struggle', closing with the iconic Jai Hind.

The Army That Took the Fight to the Empire

The Azad Hind Fauj — also known as the Indian National Army (INA) — was established on 21 October 1943, when Netaji simultaneously declared the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore. It was a radical act: a government-in-exile backed by an armed force, built from Indian prisoners of war and diaspora volunteers across Southeast Asia, determined to march on Delhi and end British rule. Netaji's rallying cry — 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dunga' ('Give me your blood, and I will give you freedom') — became the pulse of the movement.

Why October 21 Is Marked Every Year

For Indian political leaders across the spectrum, 21 October is an annual moment to recognise the armed resistance stream of the independence movement — a stream that ran parallel to, and in dialogue with, the non-violent campaigns led by other leaders. The INA's legacy holds particular resonance because its fighters came from every region, religion, and community, embodying the composite nationalism that underpins the idea of modern India. Annual commemorations on this date, and around Netaji's birth anniversary on 23 January, keep that legacy visible in public memory. The Delhi Chief Minister's tribute is part of that wider, cross-party tradition — a brief but pointed reminder that the road to 15 August 1947 was paved by many kinds of courage.

Point of View

Whose legacy both ruling and opposition formations claim as a symbol of decisive, fearless nationalism. For the BJP, honouring the INA reinforces a broader effort to present the party as the custodian of the full spectrum of India's independence struggle, not just its non-violent strand. The annual October 21 cycle of tributes also serves a quiet political function: keeping the armed-resistance narrative alive in public discourse, particularly ahead of Republic Day events in January when Netaji's birth anniversary brings renewed focus. Over time, these commemorations have helped shift the INA from a footnote in textbooks to a centrepiece of national identity.

NationPress

21 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Azad Hind Fauj established?

The Azad Hind Fauj, also known as the Indian National Army (INA), was established on 21 October 1943 in Singapore by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose , who also declared the Provisional Government of Free India on the same day.

Why is 21 October significant in Indian history?

21 October marks the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj , the date in 1943 when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose formally established the Indian National Army and declared a government-in-exile aimed at ending British rule.

Who was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose?

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who formed and commanded the Azad Hind Fauj , seeking to liberate India from British rule with support from Axis powers during World War II. He is celebrated for his rallying cry and his vision of armed resistance.

What did Rekha Gupta say on Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day?

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said she bows 'countless times' to the brave INA soldiers who 'dedicated everything to the freedom of Mother India', describing their courage under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as 'a golden chapter of India's freedom struggle.'

When is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary?

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary falls on 23 January and is marked annually with commemorative events and tributes across India.