HP CM Sukhu Pays Tribute on Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day
Synopsis
On 21 October 2026, Himachal Pradesh CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu paid tribute to the soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj on the 83rd anniversary of its founding, honouring their sacrifice in India's freedom struggle.
Key Takeaways
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu issued a formal tribute on 21 October 2026 via the Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh.
The Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) was reorganised and the Provisional Government of Free India declared on 21 October 1943 by Subhas Chandra Bose .
The INA represented an armed, military stream of India's independence movement, distinct from the non-violent struggle.
Sukhu described the soldiers' courage and sacrifice as 'immortal in the nation's history.' Annual tributes on 21 October are a consistent feature across Indian state and central governments, reflecting broad cross-party recognition of the INA legacy.
Eighty-three years after Subhas Chandra Bose declared the Provisional Government of Azad Hind on 21 October 1943, the founding of the Indian National Army still draws solemn salutes from across the country. On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, the Chief Minister's Office of Himachal Pradesh marked the anniversary with a formal tribute — carrying a personal message from Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
In Hindi, CM Sukhu wrote: 'Azad Hind Fauj ke sthapana divas par desh ki azadi ke liye sangharsh karne wale sabhi veer saputon ko shat-shat naman evam vinamra shraddhanjali.' — ('On the Foundation Day of the Azad Hind Fauj, I bow a hundredfold in tribute to all the brave sons who fought for the country's freedom.') He added that their indomitable courage and sacrifice would remain immortal in the nation's history.
The Day That Gave Birth to a Parallel Government
On 21 October 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose reorganised the Azad Hind Fauj — the Indian National Army (INA) — and simultaneously declared the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore. It was a direct military challenge to British colonial authority, built on Indian soldiers captured after the fall of Malaya and Singapore, supplemented by members of the Indian diaspora in South-East Asia. The government won recognition from several Axis powers and the INA ultimately marched into Manipur, reaching Indian soil before being pushed back.
Why the INA Still Holds a Contested, Proud Place in National Memory
The INA's legacy occupies a distinctive lane in India's freedom narrative — one that ran parallel to, and sometimes in tension with, the dominant non-violent movement led by the Indian National Congress. Its soldiers were court-martialled by the British after the war; their defence became a cause célèbre and arguably accelerated the collapse of British authority in India. Every year on 21 October, political leaders across the spectrum invoke the INA as a symbol of armed sacrifice and uncompromising nationalism — a reminder that independence was won through multiple streams of struggle.
Sukhu's Tribute Within a Wider Pattern of State Commemoration
Himachal Pradesh, a state with deep military roots and among the highest per-capita contributions to the Indian armed forces, carries a particular resonance for such tributes. CM Sukhu's message reflects a well-established practice among state governments: using the anniversary to formally acknowledge the armed resistance tradition alongside civilian and non-violent movements. Such observances also serve as an annual prompt to revisit questions of memorials, veteran welfare, and how the fuller history of the freedom struggle is taught and commemorated.
Point of View
Inclusive patriotism that spans both the Gandhian and Bose strands of the freedom movement. For a Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh — a state defined by its military culture — aligning with Bose's legacy helps neutralise any perception that the party only champions the non-violent narrative. The broader pattern of cross-party INA commemorations signals that Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj have transcended partisan ownership, becoming shared national heritage. What remains unresolved is whether such annual statements translate into concrete policy: deeper INA history in school curricula, dedicated memorials, or meaningful welfare measures for any surviving families.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day?
The Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day falls on 21 October each year, marking the date in 1943 when Subhas Chandra Bose reorganised the Indian National Army and declared the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore.
Who founded the Azad Hind Fauj?
The Azad Hind Fauj , also called the Indian National Army (INA) , was reorganised and led by Subhas Chandra Bose . It was initially formed from Indian prisoners of war captured by Japan during World War II.
What did HP CM Sukhu say on Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day 2026?
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered a 'hundredfold salute' to all brave freedom fighters of the INA, stating that their indomitable courage and sacrifice would remain immortal in the nation's history.
What was the significance of 21 October 1943?
On 21 October 1943 , Subhas Chandra Bose declared the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in Singapore, giving the Indian independence struggle an alternative sovereign government and a military force to challenge British rule directly.
Why does Himachal Pradesh mark Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day?
Himachal Pradesh has a strong military tradition and high per-capita representation in India's armed forces. State governments routinely commemorate the INA anniversary to honour the full spectrum of the freedom struggle, including its armed resistance dimension.
