National Solidarity Day is observed every year on 20th October in India. It is the date on which China attacked India in 1962. National solidarity day is celebrated on 20th October every year to remember the national integrity shown by Indian on the occasion in defeat at Sino- Indo war against China. 20th October, 1962, the war began when people liberation army of China attacked India at the Himalayan borders in Ladakh and Arunachal simultaneously. This became a wake-up call for India to establish an efficient armed force for border security.
National Solidarity day is a reminder to all Indians of the significance of unity and integrity in protecting our nation.
After regaining their Independence there was a constant boundary dispute between China and India as there was no clear border separation. China claimed Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh as its territories in their maps and even rejected to acknowledge McMohan Line which separates India and China border in the east.
In 1956, India and China signed the Five Principle agreement to conduct peaceful trading between the India, Tibet, and China regions (Hindi- Chini Bhai Bhai) In 1958, India officially stated that Aksai chin is marked as its territory. India sheltered the Dalai Lama after the failed Tibet uprising at China in 1959 and declared asylum for him.
The Sino-India war began on October 20, 1962 when the People’s Liberation Army of China invaded Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh (then known as the North East Frontier Agency) in a synchronised move.
The war lasted till November 21, after which China unilaterally withdrew from Indian territories before the snow could block safe passage to its forces. Around 3,250 Indian soldiers were killed. India lost about 43,000 square kilometres of land, captured by China in Aksai Chin. It is of the size of Switzerland.
The border dispute worsened over the years and, in 1961, India launched a forward policy for creating outpost and cutting the supplies of China. Many reasons lead the synchronous attack of China on India borders, where India was heavily outnumbered with approximately 10,000 soldiers against 80,000 Chinese armed forces. The war lasted for 3 weeks and India lost around 3250 soldiers and China about 722.
China ceasefired after gaining a territory of Aksai Chin, which is a cold desert, and a roadway was built on it to connect Tibet. Many accusations were made on Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru’s leadership and India’s ill- preparations for war.
The defeat of the Sino-Indo war made India realize the importance of armed forces, many changes were made like weapon advancements, nuclear weapon tests, policies revisal and more which reformed the Indian defense system. The border dispute still exists between India and China, due to the interdependence of economies the dispute is withheld.
The 58th anniversary of the India-China war has a shadow of Doklam stand-off hovering over it. The anniversary is also significant in the view of the CPC Congress, underway in China, where President Xi Jinping emerged as the most powerful leader of the country in its history. He is said to be the first President of China to have effective control over its armed forces – not even Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping enjoyed unchallenged say over the PLA.
Indian Solidarity day
In 1966, a prestigious committee constituting Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and other dignitaries decided to dedicate 20th October as National Solidarity Day annually as a reminder of Indo-China war.
The 1962 war was a jolt to India and Nehru. This led to reversal of defence policy of the country putting the Indian Army on the path of modernization. The greater emphasis on nuclear power and use of nuclear weapons became a part of India’s defence policy.
It’s a day to remember the brave hearts who sacrificed the lives to safeguard the country. Thousands of Indians pledge to preserve the freedom and integrity of our India on this day. Many schools, colleges, NCC meeting organize activities that encourage the patriotism in the young generation.
Over the years the celebration of this day which signifies a much need cause has diminished. There is a need for awareness about the importance of this day and its celebration.
