India’s Struggle for freedom three INA Stalwarts.
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India's Struggle for Freedom |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | August 15, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 400000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1563 Stamp Number IN 1613 Yvert et Tellier IN 1320 Stanley Gibbons IN 1727 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Freedom Fighters | Men | |
Table of Contents
Special Postage Stamp: The INA Trials of 1945
Background
The end of World War II marked a crucial period in India’s struggle for independence. Among the significant events were the trials of Indian National Army (INA) personnel, which galvanized public opinion and intensified the demand for independence. The trials, held at the Red Fort in Delhi, were a focal point of nationalist agitation.
Key Figures
- Shah Nawaz Khan
- Born: January 24, 1914, Rawalpindi
- Military Career: Commissioned in the Indian Land Forces in 1936, joined INA under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Commanded the Subhas Brigade.
- Death: December 9, 1982
- P.K. Sahgal
- Born: January 25, 1917, Hoshiarpur
- Military Career: Commissioned in the Indian Land Forces in 1939, joined INA in 1942. Emphasized his commitment to India’s freedom.
- Death: October 16, 1992
- G.S. Dhillon
- Born: April 4, 1915
- Military Career: Commissioned in 1940, joined INA after the surrender of Singapore in 1942.
- Death: Date not specified in the provided text
The Trials
- First Trial: Began in 1945 at the Red Fort, featuring senior INA officers Shah Nawaz Khan, P.K. Sahgal, and G.S. Dhillon, charged with “waging war against His Majesty the King-Emperor.”
- Public Reaction: The trials sparked widespread protests, including clashes with the police and general strikes, significantly impacting normal life across India.
- Legal Defense: Defended by prominent lawyers like Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Jawaharlal Nehru, the trials became a symbol of India’s fight for independence.
Impact and Legacy
- Public Sentiment: The trials highlighted the growing discontent with British rule and the determination of the Indian people and armed forces to secure independence.
- Political Ramifications: The INA trials and subsequent strikes by the Royal Indian Navy and Air Force illustrated the weakening control of the British over their Indian forces.
Stamp Design and Features
- Design: The stamp artistically depicts Shah Nawaz Khan, P.K. Sahgal, and G.S. Dhillon against the battlements of the Red Fort, symbolizing their trials and their role in the independence movement.
- First Day Cover: Features a sketch of the Red Fort dormitory where the trial was held and includes a news item from “The Bombay Sentinel” dated November 6, 1945.
Significance
- Homage: The stamp serves as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these leaders and the countless others who fought for India’s freedom.
- Historical Reflection: Highlights a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards independence, marking the increasing unity between the Indian populace and the armed forces.
This commemorative stamp and its associated materials reflect the profound impact of the INA trials on the national consciousness and the eventual attainment of Indian independence.