Netaji's Birthday Reflections: Did Independent India Fail the INA Soldiers?
The Forgotten Foot Soldiers of Freedom: Revisiting the Legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj.
The Forgotten Foot Soldiers of Freedom
As we commemorate the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today on January 23rd, celebrated as Parakram Diwas, we are reminded of his indomitable spirit and the incredible legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army or INA). While Netaji's contributions have rightfully earned him a place of honor in the annals of India's freedom struggle, the fate of the INA soldiers—his foot soldiers of independence—presents a bittersweet and often painful chapter in the history of post-independence India.
The Rise of the Azad Hind Fauj
The genesis of the INA traces back to 1942 in Singapore under the leadership of Captain Mohan Singh. However, it was the arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943 that galvanized the INA into a formidable fighting force. Bose’s leadership transformed the INA into an army of approximately 43,000 soldiers, comprised of Indian prisoners of war and civilian volunteers from Southeast Asia.
Netaji’s clarion call, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!” struck a deep chord, inspiring thousands to join the fight against colonial oppression. On October 21, 1943, he proclaimed the establishment of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in Singapore, declaring war on Britain and the United States. This bold declaration embodied the INA’s resolve to liberate India from colonial chains.
Military Campaigns and Symbolic Triumphs
The INA participated in two critical campaigns: the Arakan Campaign (January-February 1944) and the Imphal-Kohima Campaign (Operation U-Go, March-July 1944). These efforts were fraught with logistical challenges, yet they underscored the INA’s unwavering commitment to India's freedom.
A defining moment came on April 14, 1944, when Colonel Shaukat Malik of the INA raised the Indian tricolor on Indian soil in Moirang, Manipur. The event, accompanied by cries of “Jai Hind” and “Netaji Zindabad,” became a powerful symbol of hope and defiance. It was a moment that signified the INA's belief in the inevitability of a free India.
Post-War Trials and Public Unity
The INA trials, held at the historic Red Fort in Delhi beginning in November 1945, unexpectedly ignited a wave of unity and resistance across the country. The trials of prominent INA officers—Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon—sparked widespread outrage, transcending barriers of religion, caste, and region. This surge of public support demonstrated the strength of collective Indian resolve and hastened the end of British colonial rule.
A Nation’s Betrayal
Despite their sacrifices, the INA soldiers were met with indifference and neglect in independent India. Their contributions, once celebrated, were overshadowed by concerns of discipline and loyalty within the newly formed Indian Army. Field Marshal Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, opposed their integration, citing concerns about military cohesion and morale.
The challenges faced by INA veterans were manifold:
Non-integration into the Indian Army: The decision not to absorb INA soldiers into the Indian Army deprived them of the recognition they deserved.
Pension Struggles: Many veterans were denied pensions and had to fight protracted battles for financial relief. It was not until 1963 that the government granted a modest financial package of Rs. 30 lakhs for INA veterans.
Delayed Recognition: The recognition of INA veterans as freedom fighters was inconsistent and often came too late. Icons like Captain Ram Singh Thakur, the composer of the patriotic anthem “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,” faced initial rejection of their freedom fighter status and pensions.
Limited Recognition and High-Profile Appointments
While a handful of INA leaders were offered prominent roles in independent India, these were exceptions rather than the rule. Shah Nawaz Khan served as Minister of State for Railways, Abid Hasan became an ambassador, and Lakshmi Sahgal, leader of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, pursued a career in left-wing politics. However, the struggles of thousands of rank-and-file INA soldiers went largely unaddressed, leaving them to fend for themselves.
A Nation’s Oversight
India’s treatment of its INA veterans stands as a glaring oversight:
Pension Delays: It took decades for the government to extend even basic pension benefits to INA veterans, and the amounts remained meager.
Inadequate Memorials: Despite their contributions, India has yet to establish comprehensive memorials or museums to honor the INA’s legacy.
Historical Neglect: The INA’s pivotal role in the independence movement remains underrepresented in history books and educational curricula, denying future generations a complete understanding of their sacrifice.
Signs of Change and the Road Ahead
Recent years have seen some symbolic steps toward recognizing the INA’s contributions. In 2016, the Modi government increased pensions for freedom fighters, including INA veterans, from Rs. 21,395 to Rs. 26,000 per month. While this gesture is appreciated, it remains more symbolic than substantial, falling short of the honor and recognition these veterans deserve.
True tribute demands a more meaningful and inclusive approach. Every year, on Netaji’s birthday, a nationwide effort should be made to honor the surviving INA soldiers and their families. Ceremonies should be held at national, state, and district levels, ensuring accessibility for invitees based on their convenience. These events must not only commemorate their sacrifices but also provide a platform to share their stories, preserve their legacy, and inspire future generations. By inviting the veterans and the next of kin from across the country, we can transform this day into a true celebration of their courage and an expression of our collective gratitude.
However, much more remains to be done:
Enhanced Benefits: Increased pensions and healthcare support for surviving INA veterans and their families are imperative.
Educational Inclusion: The INA’s contributions must be integrated into school and university curricula to ensure their legacy endures.
Comprehensive Memorials: India must establish museums and monuments to honor the INA’s sacrifices and preserve their stories for posterity.
Documentation Efforts: The experiences of INA soldiers should be systematically recorded and published to provide a comprehensive account of their struggles.
Summing Up
The story of the Azad Hind Fauj is one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Yet, the treatment of its soldiers post-independence is a sobering reminder of how quickly a nation can forget its heroes. As we celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Parakram Diwas, it is essential to confront this uncomfortable truth and take meaningful steps to honor the INA’s contributions.
It is time to ensure that the blood and sacrifices of the INA’s brave men and women are finally matched with the recognition and gratitude they so richly deserve. Only then can we truly claim to be the nation for which they so valiantly fought.