50th Anniversary of Indian National Army

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army

Historical Context:

• Time of Struggle: The period of the ‘Quit India’ movement, following the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements, marked a significant phase in India’s fight for independence. It was a time when the self-respect of the nation was at stake, and the British were unnerved by the relentless pursuit of freedom by the Indian people.
• Subhas Chandra Bose: Subhas Chandra Bose, disguised as Zia-ud-din, escaped to Afghanistan in early 1941 and then proceeded to Germany. There, he raised the Indian Legion, comprising 2,500 Indian prisoners of war. He broadcasted powerful messages from Germany, urging Indians to rise and fight for their freedom with slogans like ‘now or never’, ‘victory or death’, and ‘Inquilab Zindabad’.

Formation of the Indian National Army (INA):

• Early Efforts: In early 1942, efforts were made to organize a movement for India’s independence in Southeast Asia and to raise an army to free India from British rule. This region had a large Indian community, and after the British defeat by the Japanese, around 60,000 Indian soldiers and officers were taken across Southeast Asia and Japan.
• Indian Independence League: The Indian Independence League was formed under the presidency of Rash Behari Bose. Captain Mohan Singh, given the rank of General by the League, took the lead in raising the Indian National Army (INA) from among the Indian prisoners of war.
• Bose’s Arrival: Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Sumatra on 6th May 1943 and took over the presidency of the Indian Independence League from Rash Behari Bose in July 1943. He inspired the INA with his passionate call for freedom, emphasizing the dangers and sacrifices that awaited them on their march to freedom.

The INA’s Campaign:

• Mobilization and Battle Cry: With the rousing battle cry of ‘Delhi Chalo’, the INA was fully mobilized for the struggle for freedom. Despite inferior equipment and poor supply systems, the INA advanced 150 miles into Indian territory.
• Touching Scene: The INA’s entry into Indian territory was a poignant moment, with soldiers kissing the sacred soil of their motherland, symbolizing their dedication to liberating India.
• Battle Performance: The INA showed remarkable resilience on the battlefield, never being defeated despite the enemy’s overwhelming superiority in men and material.

Impact and Legacy:

• Significance: The INA’s formation and its heroic endeavors demonstrated that the British could no longer rely on Indian sepoys to maintain their hold on India. The universal sympathy for INA officers during their trial for treason at the Red Fort in Delhi was a clear indicator of Indian nationalism.
• National Pride: The INA members and their supreme leader, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, have secured an exalted place in the history of India’s struggle for freedom. Their contributions significantly boosted India’s prestige and honor.

Commemoration:

• Department of Posts: The Department of Posts honors India’s great heroes who made the advent of a free India possible. Two postage stamps were issued to commemorate the 67th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in January 1964. The current release salutes the Indian National Army for its glorious contribution to India’s independence.
• Design Credits: The stamp design by artist Shri Shankha Samantha is based on photographs of Subhas Chandra Bose reviewing the troops of the Indian National Army. The First Day Cover and cancellation were designed by Smt. Alka Sharma, an artist from the Department of Posts.

The legacy of the INA and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the courage and determination that led to India’s independence.