Padang, the site for Netaji’s ‘Delhi Chalo’ slogan is now Singapore’s national monument
Who doesn’t know about Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, one of the pioneers of the Indian Freedom Movement, and his iconic slogan ‘Delhi Chalo’? It appeared in July 1943. But do you have any idea from where this creation took place? It’s a place called Padang in the Central Business District of Singapore. Now a green site, this open-air sports arena, Padang has recently been announced as the city’s 75th national monument as part of the Republic’s 57th National Day celebrations. The announcement was made amidst a parade by diverse groups as well as dances by schools and civic communities that facilitated a vibrant display of local culture. Are you wondering why Padang received such an honour? Well, for its national, global, historical as well as social significance. It is now a preserved national monument and will be given highest degree of protection as per the Preservation of Monuments Act. The site will be maintained by National Heritage Board, a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Government of Singapore.
The Padang: A bird’s eye view
The Padang is an open playing field situated within the Downtown Core of the Central Area in Singapore which consists of the Padang Cricket Ground. It is surrounded by several important landmarks of Singapore, which include Saint Andrew's Cathedral, City Hall, the Old Supreme Court Building and the City Hall MRT station. The word ‘Padang’ has been derived from Malay and literally means ‘a field.’ For the unversed, Padang was one of the few open spaces accessible to the public in the colonial times and is now nearly 200 years old. Now used for popular sporting events like cricket, football, tennis, hockey and lawn bowling, Padang now stands as Singapore’s oldest open space that has been operational since the 19th century.
Padang and the Indian Freedom Movement: The connect
By now, you must be wondering whether Padang has anything else to do with India, other than being the venue of Netaji’s ‘Delhi Chalo!’ slogan. Well, it was also the site where Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) established their camps, back when the British had ascertained their forces in Singapore. In addition, it was also at Padang where Netaji delivered several other significant speeches to millions of INA soldiers as well as the local Indian population. Wait, there’s more. This open playing field was also the site where Netaji set up the Rani of Jhansi regiment and had commanded complete mobilisation of Indian resources to overthrow the British from the Indian soil. Moreover, Bose had also founded the INA memorial at the southern edge of Padang, right before he disappeared. No wonder, this place has continued to remain as a historical shrine for the Indian community in Singapore over the years.
Padang’s journey through history
Padang is as much important for Singapore’s own historical journey as for India’s. In fact, when the Japanese finally surrendered to the British forces in September 1945, after having occupied and ruled over Singapore since February 1942, Singaporeans held their victory parade at Padang on 12th September 1945. Also, when Singapore’s first fully elected Legislative Assembly was founded, its victory rally too was hosted here on 3rd June 1959. Exactly six months later, this historical site witnessed the unveiling of National Symbols as well as the appointment of Yusof Ishak as the first ever Malayan-born Head of State (‘Yang di Pertuan Negara’). Interestingly, the inaugural National Day Parade of the Republic was also held at Padang on 9th August 1966.