Rashtriya Praja Congress Marks Netaji’s 1943 Independence Day

USPA NEWS - RPC Chief Meda Srinivas urges recognition of October 21 as India’s true Independence Day

The Rashtriya Praja Congress (RPC) celebrated India’s first declared Independence Day of October 21, 1943, marking Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic announcement of India’s freedom under the Azad Hind Government. The event, held at the party headquarters in Rajahmundry, was presided over by RPC Chief Meda Srinivas, who unfurled the national flag and paid homage to the unsung heroes of the Indian freedom struggle.

Honouring Forgotten Patriots Behind India’s Liberation

Speaking on the occasion, Meda Srinivas recalled the indomitable courage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who led the Indian National Army (INA) in defiance of British rule. He emphasized that October 21, 1943, should be remembered as the day India first achieved self-governance through Netaji’s leadership.

Srinivas also paid tributes to Neera Arya, a valiant warrior who stood beside Netaji, and Ravindra Kaushik, who endured severe torture in Pakistani prisons after independence for serving the nation. “These heroes sacrificed their lives for India’s dignity, and their courage must be etched in our national memory,” he said.

Call or Official Recognition of October 21 as Independence Day

Meda Srinivas urged the Government of India to officially declare October 21 as India’s true Independence Day, stating that this was the day when the Azad Hind Government was formed and the British feared the Indian resistance.

He alleged that “some Congress leaders of that era conspired with the British to erase this chapter from history,” claiming that “the heroism of Netaji and his comrades was overshadowed by colonial narratives.” He appealed to every Indian to “observe October 21 as the real Independence Day and instill in the younger generation the spirit of Netaji—to live for the country and die for the country.”

Patriotic Fervour and Emotional Tributes

The celebrations saw participants singing ‘Vande Mataram’, garlanding Netaji’s portrait, and sharing sweets in a gesture of unity and patriotism. Srinivas became emotional as he recounted Netaji’s mysterious disappearance, calling him “a warrior who still lives in the hearts of Indians.”

“There is no other fighter like Netaji in the world. His courage, leadership, and sacrifice gave India its true independence,” Srinivas said, reaffirming that Netaji’s spirit continues to inspire future generations.

Secular and Progressive Members Join the Celebration

Several secular and progressive members of the RPC participated in the historic commemoration, including Pendyala Kamaraju, Kasa Raju, DV Ramanamurthy, Lanka Durga Prasad, Barla Prasad, MD Hussain, Dudde Suresh, Vardhanapu Sarath Kumar, and others. They discussed the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving secular and democratic values in line with Netaji’s vision.