Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

FREEDOM MOVEMENT

as the form of mutual greeting, Netaji (re- vered leader) as the mode of addressing Bose, Jana gana mana, as the national anthem and Hindustani written in the Roman script as the national language. The broadcasting was done in the name of Azad Hind Radio. Gaaziomain boo rahegijab talak imanki Tabto Londontak chalegi tegh Hindustanki!

every country in Europe, but he did not go to Soviet Russia. He visited Berlin and Rome several times and met the top hierarchy of the Nazi and Fascist parties. In Rome he was re- ceived by Mussolini several times. He asked the German rulers 'when they would strike at Britain, so that we might also take up arms simultaneously against the British.' Bose mooted the formation of a political

started, calling upon the Indian people to assert their independence, and to rise in revolt against the British authorities. Broadcasting would be done in the name of Free India Radio Station. Bose's sincerity and efforts gradually dispelled German suspicions and the foreign office began to lend an ear to his pleas. His presence in Berlin was kept a closely guarded secret.

party and Samyavadi Sangh with emphasis on the interests of peas- ants and workers, complete politi- cal and economical liberation of the Indian people, a strong central government and state planning. On April 8,1936 he returned to India to attend the Lucknow Con- gress Session. In Calcutta on July 3, 1940 Subhas with a group of volunteers marched to the Holwell monument, which had stood in Calcutta for 150 years as a re- minder of slavery and humiliation. They had planned to demolish it. But he was arrested the previous day under section 129 of the De- fence of India rules and taken to the Presidency jail. Bose had decided to make use of the World War condition to his advantage. He would escape from India and join the enemies of Britain seeking their assistance for India's freedom. On November 29 he began a fast unto death.

MY POLITICAL TESTAMENT

(As long as the last particle of faith exists in the soul of India's free- dom fighters, the sword of Hindus- tan will continue to penetrate the heart of London.) Its location was kept a closely

What greater solace can there be than the feeling that one has lived and died for a principle? What higher satisfaction can a man possess than the knowledge that his spirit will beget kindred spirits to carry on his unfinished task? What better reward can a soul desire than the certainty that his message will be wafted over hills and dales and over the broad plains to every comer of his land and across the seas to distant lands? What higher consummation can life attain than peaceful self-immolation at the altar of one's Cause?

guarded secret. The establishment of the radio coincided with the out- break of war in South-East Asia where the Japanese army was scoring success*after success in all theatres of war. Singapore, the eastern bastion of British power, surrendered to the Japanese army on February 15,1942. In February 19, Bose made his first broadcast to the Indian people. His broad- casts became more frequent and forceful as the tempo of the war in the Far East increased. In May 1942, Bose visited Italy to plead with Mussolini for an open decla- ration in favour of India, a pro- posal which was supported by Japan. On May 29, he met Hitler for the first time. In early 1943 Bose left Germany for Jor- dan due to the heavy allied raids on Berlin. Meanwhile two more radio transmissions were begun in the name of Congress Radio and Azad Muslim Radio. During this period Bose conceived the idea of raising a national army. The presence of Indian prisoners of war in Berlin, seems to have made him wonder whether they would provide excellent material for an Indian legion. Bose was allowed to visit a POW camp at Annaferg. Initially the prisoners were cold to Bose. But after many visits his friendliness and frankness won them over finally. An Indian Legion was formed on December 26, 1941.

Hence it is evident that nobody can lose through suffering and sacrifice. If he does lose anything of the earth earthy, he will gain much more in return by becoming the heir to a life immortal. The is the technique of the soul. The individual must die, so that-the nation may live. Today, Imustdie, so that India may live and may win freedom and glory. To my countrymen I say, " Forget not that the greatest curse for a man is to remain a slave, forget not that the grossest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law- You must give life, if you want to get it. And remember that the highest virtue is to battle against iniquity, no matter what the cost may be." Jai Hind

August, 1945

Physical restrictions on his movements suited Bose. He had to prepare his plans for the escape from India in the strictest seclusion and secrecy. On January 16, 1940 at midnight Bose escaped from Jiouse arrest, disguised as a Muslim. For a year nobody knew where he had gone. The mystery was cleared when Bose began his broadcasts over Berlin Radio. When Bose arrived in Berlin he was entirely on his own. At first the Germans were extremely suspicious of him. On April 9,1941 Bose presented an exhaustive memorandum to the German government outlining his plan for co-operation between the Axis powers and India. He especially requested that (1)' A Free Indian government’ should be set up in Berlin (2) A treaty should be entered into by the Axis powers, with the "Free Indian government", providing for India's independence in the event of an Axis victory, (3) Propaganda, particularly through the radio should be

In June 1941 he paid a visit to Italy. Ger- many invaded Russia at that time.The Ger- man government agreed to extend the neces- sary help to Bose. He had three immediate objectives : (1) Forming a Free India Centre in Berlin (2) Broadcasting to India and (3) Raising an Indian Legion in Germany. Mone- tary aid on the basis of a personal loan was agreed upon. The expenses of broadcasting and of the legion were borne entirely by Germany.

Hamey sukhoko ab bhooljana padega Watanke liye dookh uthana padega Aiy! Azad Hindiyo utho kamar bandho Watan lut rahe hai bachana padega.

The first meeting of the Free India Centre was held on November 2, 1941. It was later de- cided to adopt JAI HIND (Victory to India)