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AJU MUKHOPADHYAY HISTORY

Subhas Chandra : A Legend and Challenge (II)

AJU MUKHOPADHYAY

Congress and the issue of partition foreign conquest. The partition of the country must go. . . .’3 Gandhi, who often said, ‘You shall have In spite of his passion to be the final to divide my body before you divide ’, word in the Congress from which Subhas or if partition happened, it would be over his was suspended, Gandhiji with his strong dead body, now said to Nirmal Bose, ‘With moral and ethical judgment could not deny whom was I going to carry on the fight? that partition could be saved had Subhas Don’t you realise that, as a result of one been there. ‘Before he was assassinated in year of communal riots, the people of India 1948, Gandhi—a senior journalist told me— have all become communal? They can see rebuked Nehru and Patel for not being able nothing beyond the communal question. to reign in partition madness and wished that They are tired and frightened. The Congress his “other son” (Subhas) was here!’ has only represented this feeling of the Reminded by Congressman, who had whole nation. How can I oppose it?’ witnessed the dressing-down, that Bose was (Gordon/Freedom 22) dead and he had himself come to that Partition was nightmarish to many. It belief, Gandhi shot back, “He’s in Russia”.’ became so in the life of people particularly (Anuj 45) in the two partitioned provinces of India— Congress assumed a dictatorial character and Punjab. ever during Gandhi’s presence and continued disfavoured partition. So he sent his special under the hegemony of one family from emissary to the Congress leaders in 1942, Nehru’s time. The consequences of it are felt urging them to accept the status now in all political circles. Nehru was for the time being, as Cripps offered, so as to Gandhi’s selection as the custodian of India avoid partition. The wiser leadership after the partition-riddled freedom was won rejected the advice. In his message over the and always remained his faithful follower. All India Radio, Trichinopally on 14 August After partition and independence, Gandhi 1947, Sri Aurobindo said among other was almost nowhere in the running of the things that, ‘It is to be hoped that the country. He continued to remain on his Congress and the nation will not accept the chosen path of moral and ethical reformation settled fact as forever settled or as anything of the people and country living at his more than a temporary expedient. For if it secluded corners. He was not fit to rule, but lasts, India may be seriously weakened, even he fixed the ruler who enjoyed power till crippled; civil strife may remain always 1964. The result has been variously possible, possible even a new invasion and discussed by many historians.

24 Bulletin of the Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017 : A LEGEND AND CHALLENGE (II)

Netaji in Exile successful had the Axis Power not dwindled against the Nuclear Power; had it not been It needs to be mentioned that in spite of followed by killing of Musolini, suicide of his ambivalent attitude towards the British, Hitler and fall of Japan. It must be his praise for their real worth and wrath for understood that Subhas knew all the their domination of India, his opposition to implications of inviting the young imperialist British was unflinching. Never imperialists to his country in league with the was his tenacity, promise and determination fascists and dictators. He knew all the got reduced by any personal friendship at the possible consequences and yet risked all. He cost of the country. His attitude was was in good humour with all such powers observed by his rivals from the beginning of even up to the end and was in good his political career which he made clear to relationship with Russia also, though we are Gandhi also. Going to jail and again sitting still in the dark as to what happened of him for discussion type of movement, he never in course of time. indulged in. Since the British rulers knew it, their actions against him could be read All-out efforts to gain power accordingly. While others were kept in jail On 18 March, 1941, after facing and brought out again as per need and unprecedented hardship and difficulties he convenience, Subhas passed the major could start for the Russian border disguised portion of his time as active politician out of as Orlando Massotta with an Italian passport the country or in distant jails or in house and eventually reached . Although arrest. The reason was, they assured his immediate call for an Axis declaration on themselves, that this popular, selfless lover Indian independence was not successful, he of the land should not get opportunities often was helped to establish his Indian to influence his countrymen so that might Independence League office engaging Indian truly expedite the parting days of the British employees. Gradually he became widely Raj. They were truly afraid of Bose’s known in and welcomed by Indians. presence among the countrymen as his rivals From this point he became known as ‘Netaji’ in the country were afraid of his presence and his slogan and greeting, ‘’ after his disappearance. False rumour of his became popular which is still a part of the getting killed in air crash was spread not due concluding words of speech in India. to their asinine ideas but because of their The most important work of Netaji in fear of that genuine, sincere and fearless Germany was the creation of the INA. personality’s return which would shatter all Netaji was convinced that without an army pseudo leadership and dictatorship in due of her own India would not be able to win course. So all his adversaries took all and retain her independence. Soon after my precautions to see him exiled, out of the arrival in Berlin I was taken by Netaji to reach of the millions of the country. visit the INA training centre at Frankenberg Subhas for the most part of his political near Dresden. There we found that most tremendous enthusiasm prevailed among the career was exiled forcibly and, towards the men. They all had a profound faith on Netaji middle of the World War, he took his and were prepared to die for him and for the decision to plunge headlong in the struggle, cause. Another aspect which impressed me in the real field of war, to accomplish a real very much was their extraordinary strength struggle of ‘Do or Die’. He would be of solidarity. There was no difference

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between , Moslems, Sikhs and moved to Singapore and assumed the charge Christians. . . . Major Krappe was in charge of the Indian Independence League as its of the military training of the INA. Major President and called for the allegiance of the Krappe had a profound respect for Netaji, INA which was reorganized by Rash Behari treated the INA men as his own children and Bose. On 9 July 1943, Bose addressed a took a keen interest in their training. (Netaji in Germany by Promode Sen Gupta/Purabi gathering of 60000 people and said, ‘There 86-87) is no nationalist leader in India who can claim to possess the many-sided experience Subhas established effective contact that I have been able to acquire.’ And with with Japan. With German help, in their extensive tours to neighbouring countries Uboat with Abid Hussain he embarked on like Rangoon, and Saigon he his next journey during the perilous days of began his campaign, meeting and exhorting the World War on 8 February, 1943, and on Indians and others sympathetic to the cause, reaching a prearranged spot in far away making hard labours day and night in , they met with a representative organizing the movement in different ways. of Japan waiting with submarine. In the In August he assumed the Supreme water amid scattered boats, men and Command of the INA. whizzing bullets they were transferred in a It is to be remembered in this context dinghy to the submarine which took them to that Subhas, with some other students, once Sabang on the northern tip of Sumatra Island petitioned to the Government for a and from there they were flown with the University Military Training Corps for Japanese Liaison Officer to Tokyo on military training during his college days in 13 June, 1943. India and repeated it in Cambridge. He got After the fall of Singapore the Indian himself trained in the meantime which no Prisoners of War were at the disposal of other top-ranking civilian leader of the time Japan. Capt was in charge of could dream. He always felt that Indians the INA () but he had essentially required such trainings to serious dispute with the Japanese. The INA effectively combat imperialism. His idea of was then disbanded and he was under arrest. leading militarily also among other means Great revolutionary Indian leader, Rash became successful here to the extent Behari Bose, was in the overall charge of the possible. Indian Independence Movement in South East Asia. Subhas arrived in Tokyo at this Inauguration of Provincial Government point of time and was received by the On 21 October, 1943, Bose inaugurated Japanese Premier, Tojo. He said in the Diet, the Provincial Government of Free India and ‘Japan is firmly resolved to extend all means appointed a Council of Ministers. Next day in order to help to expel and eliminate from the Provincial Government declared war on India the Anglo-Saxon influences which are Britain and America and a number of the enemy of the Indian people, and enable governments quickly accorded recognition India to achieve full independence in the to the Government. He considered his true sense of the term.’ (Anup 350) Government as an ally of the Japanese Bose arranged a press conference there Government and felt that he should be and made two radio broadcasts calling upon consulted in war efforts in the East. As Indians to gather under his banner. He then earlier, the in-charge of the Japanese forces

26 Bulletin of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017 SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE : A LEGEND AND CHALLENGE (II) there did not agree, but Bose insisted and army. Japan also suffered many losses and spoke to Tojo. its air force was ravaged. Subhas Chandra On 4 November, 1943, he addressed a then ordered a retreat in September 1944, conference in Diet building in Japan, which but his subsequent campaign also proved was an immediate success and Japan agreed fatal. The British army pushed back the to hand over the Andaman and Nicobar Japanese and the INA soldiers very badly. Islands to the Provincial Government and While Bose was thinking of reorganizing the they further agreed that in the next offensive INA, the Japanese decided to abandon the in 1944 the INA would make an Allied Burmese front in April 1945 and that was Army under the Japanese Operational the death-knell of the INA. It suffered huge Command. On 18 November, 1943, Bose losses in many ways. On 11 August, 1945, travelled to Singapore passing through Bose received the information that Russia Nanking, Shanghai, Manila and Saigon and declared war on Japan and the next day’s addressed meetings. He visited and viewed message for him was that Japan decided to war preparations in those areas and from surrender to the Allied Forces; this was after Shanghai he broadcast a message to Chiang the droppings of atom bombs. Kai Sheik, the Head of the Government in On 13 August he went to Singapore and China. On his return, Field Marshal Count discussed his plans with his officers for three Terauchi, who was opposing his proposals days. On 16 August he flew to Bangkok and earlier, agreed to consult Bose’s had discussions with General Isoda, Hachia, Headquarters in all planning and execution the Minister accredited to the Provisional in the war front. Intercepted by the Government of Free India and Kagawa. The opposition of Mohan Singh, however, Japan next morning he travelled to Saigon with six did not keep their full promise in respect of members of his staff and some Japanese handing over control of the Andaman and officers in two bomber planes provided by Nicobar Islands. Japan. The planes had to be changed here The Japanese army planned to push to and Bose wished to be accompanied by all India through Burma and invited a select six in his flight beyond Saigon. But they group from the INA to assist them; but Bose could accommodate only one person besides desired that the INA should be at the front to Bose in their plane which was otherwise full. attack and shed first blood on Indian soil. Bose then chose Habibur Rahman to Japan could not agree to such a venture as accompany him. It went to (Taihoku) the INA was made of groups of defeated in Formosa on 18 August, 1945, for soldiers who were not so trained. Then time refueling. Shortly after its take off, the plane for campaign came and Bose with crashed in the air. With some others Subhas his insistence obtained the permission of the Chandra Bose also died, it was reported. So Japanese Government to take part in the officially this was considered his life’s last assault in Indian soil. Despite their support journey. and help from the Headquarters in Tokyo, the Japanese in the field did not fully Revolt in Royal Indian Navy cooperate with the in respect of ‘The Naval Uprising in February 1946 supplies of food, medicines, air cover and in was a turning-point in India’s long struggle many other respects and the INA soldiers for independence. The freedom struggle was received worst beatings from the British undoubtedly peaceful as inspired by

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Mahatma Gandhi. But in the real politic of present at the Karachi uprising of the Royal the then prevailing world scene, it was the Indian Navy in 1946. He wrote on “INA” and the “Naval Uprising” which 20.2.2006: convinced the British that the Indian Armed Forces could no longer be isolated from the The naval mutinies of February 1946 remain rising surge of nationalism,’ said Admiral indelible in the Nation’s mind and even more deep in the psyches of those like me Vishnu Bhagwat, PVSM, ADC, The Chief who had witnessed this turning-point in of Staff, Indian Navy, on 19 January, 1998 history of the freedom struggle. . . . at Kanpur at a reception to INA and RIN Even the firing of the tear gas shells Freedom Fighters. (Revolt of RIN Ratings; that followed did not affect them, while the February 1946: IBC 21) determined groups of Ratings peacefully The favourable impression was squatted on the tramway lines, ready to face strengthened by the speech of the British the guns. Their high morale was inspiring. Prime Minister in the course of debate in the The on-lookers spilled on the road to join House of Commons on 15 March, 1946, on the slogan shoutings, ‘Netaji ki jai’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’. the Cabinet Mission’s visit to India. Atlee The Commissioner ordered the firing of said that ‘the tide of nationalism was the tear gas shells. That made the running very fast in India and that it was processionists and the spectators even more time for clear and definite action. The excited. They covered their eyes and faces Cabinet Mission was going to India in a with wet kerchiefs or with clothes got wet positive mood. The temperature of 1946 was with the water sprinkled from the balconies. not the temperature of 1920, 1930, or even The women from the balconies passed on to 1942. His colleagues were going to India them their wet ‘sarees’ and other garments with the intention of using their utmost to ward off the gas. Soon they passed on endeavours to help her attain freedom as fruits and sweets and buckets of drinking water without any touch of panic. It was a speedily and as fully as possible.’ (Ratings mela-like atmosphere. The public now 16; April 1996. IBC 16) mingled with the processionists. It was Gandhi called the mutiny ‘Unbecoming’ difficult for police to segregate them. and was relieved when the ratings in (Ratings 25-26. IBC 25-26) obedience to Patel, surrendered. (Rajmohan The humiliation of the INA soldiers— Gandhi. Patel—A Life, Ahmedabad, 1991, as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian—galvanised referred in the Review. Ratings 3. IBC 3) the Indians like they hadn’t been ever since The Review also states that Sardar Patel India was brought under direct British was vehemently against the movement by government rule. The Governor of what is now called Uttar Pradesh wrote to the Royal Indian Navy and went against all its Viceroy in New Delhi in November 1945 supporters including Aruna , their that those hitting the streets were actually colleague. It says that ultimately it was seen suggesting that ‘Bose is rapidly usurping the that Congress leaders were against each place held by Gandhi in Popular esteem.’ other in the matter of full support which has (Dhar 5) been corroborated by Maulana in his book, India Wins Freedom. Clash of policy More interesting would be the The main clash between Gandhi and eyewitness memoir of the former Prime Subhas was a clash of policy which had Minister of India, Mr I. K. Gujral, who was begun from the date Subhas met Gandhi. It

28 Bulletin of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017 SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE : A LEGEND AND CHALLENGE (II) was the method of movement for ‘If someone shows ashes even then I will not independence: Violent or Non-Violent. believe that Subhas is not alive,’ he told the Subhas’s contest was against the will of the jailed associates of Bose on 30 December one who felt himself all-in-all in the 1945. His January 1946 statement made organization and had an idea that none could headlines world over. The New York Times override him. He pushed his colleagues on 6 January reported ‘Gandhi as declaring against the President who felt cornered and in a speech that he believed Subhas Chandra resigned against such dictatorial conduct. It Bose was still alive and awaiting a was a clique, more violent than violent propitious time to reappear’. All this had a combat, silently pushing Subhas to leave the ripple effect and from villages in India’s country, leaving the movement in chaos remote corners to the expats across Southern resulting in partition of the country. In this Asia, all took fancy to the idea that Bose context it may easily be concluded that was ‘in hiding’ and would ‘come to India as Indian Independence was won violently. The the free President of a free country’. (Anuj called by Gandhi in 28) 1942 was not at all non-violent (all the There were many speculations on leaders including him were in jail almost up Netaji’s possible destination and stay. Many to the end of the drama). British had to leave doubt specially in India and in Bose’s family India in war-ravaged condition of their circle about the truth of the news of his country, in the face of naval revolt and near- death. Habibur Rahman and the British revolt by the Indian Army which was the Government brought the evidence of result of INA’s actions against them. Netaji’s death; a charred wrist watch. Capt. Habibur Rahman facing violent attacks on Responses to the announcement him after partition migrated to Pakistan. of Bose’s death has reported more such stories On 29 August, 1945, in New Delhi, telling about Netaji’s presence in Russia. Alfred Wagg, a stringer for the Chicago ‘The whisper of Bose being alive were loud Tribune, rudely interrupted a press enough to be heard by the Central conference of . He claimed Intelligence Agency. In November 1950, a Bose was ‘alive and seen in Saigon four highly placed agent in India reported that “it days ago.’ On September 1, London’s is now currently rumoured in the Delhi area Sunday Observer picked up Wagg’s claim that ‘Netaji’ . . . is alive and is in Siberia, and added that the Japanese report was ‘not where he is waiting for a chance to make a believed in British and American military big comeback. The spectre of Bose’s coming circles’. On 11 September in Jhansi, Nehru back from the dead still troubled the himself told a gathering that he did not establishment’. (Anuj 46) believe in Bose’s reported death: ‘Yes, I have received a number of reports which Declassified IB reports have raised in me grave doubts and I Due to wide demand from the public to disbelieve the authenticity of the news.’ declassify the secret files relating to Subhas From late 1945 to early 1946, Mahatma Chandra Bose remaining in Central and was the chief promoter of the Bose mystery. State Government archives for decades,

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most of such files have been declassified such surveillance. Possibly he was afraid of over the time. One such file records a Subhas’s coming back, thus risking his near- sensational report that Nehru was keenly autocratic ruling. What efforts he might have alert and eager to know about the made for or against Subhas Bose might be in whereabouts of Netaji till his death. His the files lost which might be known from successors also maintained this curiosity for further searches in Russian archives or 20 long years. This was widely reported in elsewhere, if available. This continued after the media. Below is an excerpt of such Nehru, for his whole family wished as the report published in India Today on 10 April, first PM wished, and guarded such desire 2015. with utmost care. Not only they, but there ‘Two recently declassified Intelligence are people with political bindings and Bureau (IB) files have revealed that the affinities, people with various vested Jawaharlal Nehru government spied on the interests and other stakes, who still believe kin of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for and propagate Netaji’s death in air crash nearly two decades. The files, which have after all falsehood have been laid bare. since been moved to the National Archives, But why this secrecy? It may very well show unprecedented surveillance on Bose’s be that the secrecies were conspiracies; the family members between 1948 and 1968. secrecies if opened to public view might Nehru was the prime minister for 16 of the reveal the real characters of those who are 20 years and the IB reported directly to him. adored by the media and the establishment. The files show the IB resumed British-era Is it not time that we should know the surveillance on the two Bose family homes correct positions about Bose’s activities and in Calcutta: 1 Woodburn Park and 38/2 end, if end happened to the mortal body of Elgin Road. Apart from intercepting and the true patriot of India, who did so much copying letters written by Bose’s family including the self-sacrifice for the country members, agency sleuths shadowed them on after doing such things that ‘No Indian their domestic and foreign travels. The leader of his stature could ever think of the agency seemed especially keen to know who things he did.’ (Dhar 3) all the Bose kin met and what they A writer has speculated on reason that, discussed. A series of hand-written messages ‘In 1946, the British had already decided to show the agents phoned in ‘Security leave India to “God and anarchy”. The Control’, as the IB headquarters was called, primary casualty of Bose’s re-emergence to report on the family’s movements.’4 would have been the Congress and, The Central Government admitted that particularly, Gandhi’s anointed leader, some such files were not available even after Jawaharlal Nehru. Netaji’s jackboots would thorough searches. Tampered or not, some have become the alternative to both the pages in such files are not available, Mahatma’s chakra and Nehru’s genteel blotched or almost obliterated. They cannot .’5 be read clearly. All these prove that the then In the face of such speculations and Prime Minister of India was aware of Bose’s guesses, there began efforts to give a presence on earth but he had no control over definite shape to the authenticity of his death his stay and movements; so he maintained report so that Indians would only lament but

30 Bulletin of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017 SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE : A LEGEND AND CHALLENGE (II) would never think of any chance of Subhas Bose, under date 24th September, 1951.’ Bose’s return and his being crowned as the (Anup 39) Chief of Free India. On 5 March, 1952, Nehru gave a speech On 3.10.1946 one Mangal Singh asked for the first time about the plane crash and Sardar , ‘A few days ago death of Netaji in Indian Parliament on the the Hon’ble Leader of the House (Jawaharlal basis of the five-page report by S.A. Iyer and Nehru) made a statement that Netaji Subhas said, ‘This is the fullest and latest account Chandra Bose is dead. Is that the view of the that we have had. Whether it is the last word or his personal view?’ or some further information may come later, ‘The Government of India have no view, I cannot say. But it does seem now that it is either way,’ Patel yielded. (Anuj 47) fairly convincing account.’ (Anup 40) It is said that Vallabhbhai sent Harin Iyer became the Minister of the Shah, a journalist, to Taipei to report Publicity Department of the about the death of Subhas. Shah went to Government after its formation. He then Taipei in August 1946 and reported his came in contact with the Indian findings not to his editor, but the ‘friendly Independence League and came in close and most considerate’ Indian ambassador. contact of its President of the Singapore KPS Menon promptly relayed Shah’s branch, Munga Ramamurthy. They later account to New Delhi through the conspired to loot the treasure that Subhas diplomatic channel. collected from the public and shared it with This report in favour of Netaji’s death some big leaders. (Anup 18-19) So Iyer was due to plane crash emboldened those who the first person who betrayed the Azad Hind felt relieved at the confirmation of the Government and Munga was his first genuine patriot’s death. ‘Thanks to Shah, the collaborator. Government came to have a clear view. In December 1949 Patel would announce that Committee formed certain enquiries pointed to the conclusion In April, 1956, in response to the public that Subhas Bose died in an air crash.’ (Anuj demand, the Government of India appointed 47-48) an inquiry Committee to ascertain the circumstances concerning Netaji’s departure First official report from Bangkok on 15 August, 1945, and his S. A. Iyer, former Publicity Minister of alleged death in an air crash. The Committee the Azad Hind Government wrote to Nehru consisted of three members: Shah Nawaz on 28 February 1952, addressing him as Khan, M.P., Shri Suresh Chandra Bose, ‘Revered Panditji’: ‘I hope to be excused for elder brother of Netaji and Shri S. N. Maitra, encroaching on your valuable time with this ICS. letter. You will probably remember, Sir, This Committee was crippled at its very that, as expressly desired by you, during the birth as it was denied any judicial power. interview you granted me on Saturday, Nehru did not allow this Committee even to September 15, 1951 at Parliament House, visit Taihoku for an on-the-spot New Delhi, I sent you a comprehensive investigation. This is also borne out by the report on the fate of Netaji Subhas Chandra following excerpt from the letter to

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Dr Bidhan Roy. In a ‘Secret and Personal’ June, 1974. It is said that the Khosla letter to Bidhan Roy, No. 583-PMO/55 Commission refused to accept the very dated October 11 1955, New Delhi, Nehru relevant ‘Report of the Enquiry’ made by the wrote: ‘They will not be able to go to Mayor of Taipei in 1945 on the alleged Formosa where the accident is supposed to event of Netaji’s death in the Taihoku air have occurred.’ (Purabi 239) crash, when it visited Taipei. Nevertheless, While the two members came to the the Khosla Commission report was adopted conclusion that while travelling from by the Parliament during Emergency in 1975 Taihoku in a Japanese bomber plane with without any discussion when most of the Habibur Rahman and others Netaji died in opposition members of the Parliament were an air crash at Taihoku on 18 , in detention. (Purabi 242) The Cabinet Shri Suresh Bose sent a dissent report stating accepted the findings as it did accept the among other things that there had been no previous Shah Nawaz Report. air crash at Taihoku involving Netaji’s death. The Government accepted the Manoj Mukherjee Commission majority report. (Anup 342-43) A writ petition was filed in High Court About this Committee’s success, in spite at Calcutta under PIL and the High Court of his apparent satisfaction, Nehru’s doubt gave its judgment on 30.4.1998, directing prevailed. He wrote to Amiya Nath Bose, the Union Government to ‘Launch a Netaji’s nephew, on 22.4.1964, vigorous enquiry into the alleged ‘My dear Amiya, disappearance or death of Netaji in I have your letter of the 20th April. I accordance with law by appointing a agree with you that something should be Commission of Enquiry for the purpose of done to finalise the question of Netaji’s giving an end to the controversy.’ (Purabi death. . . .’ (Purabi 40) 254) Accordingly the Government of India This idea to finalise was due mainly to vide Notification No. SO 339 (E) dated the reason that there had been demands from 14.5.1999 appointed a Commission of the opposition parties to appoint another Enquiry headed by Justice M. K. Mukherjee, probe body to reveal the truth. They were a retired judge of the Supreme Court. not happy about the majority decision of the The report of the Commission was Committee and Government’s acceptance of placed before the Indian Parliament by the such report. Things were known and Shah then Home Minister on 17.5.2006. The Nawaz was called a ‘traitor’ in public. Action Taken Memorandum stated: ‘The Government has examined the report Khosla Commission submitted by the Commission on November In response to a demand by the majority 8, 2005 in detail and have not agreed with MPs, the Government now appointed a one- the findings that Netaji did not die in the man Commission of Enquiry in July 1970 plane crash and the ashes in the Renkoji under the retired Chief Justice of Punjab Temple were not of Netaji.’ (Purabi 256) High Court, Justice G. D. Khosla. He visited With reference to the Terms of many countries and examined large numbers References, the Commission reported that of witnesses and submitted its report on 30 Netaji was dead but not due to a plane

32 Bulletin of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017 SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE : A LEGEND AND CHALLENGE (II) crash as claimed earlier. But where and verdicts were upheld in Parliament by the how he died could not be given in the ruling Government and the last report was absence of any clinching evidence. It also rejected as not acceptable by the same reported that the ashes at the Renkoji Government, incidentally run by the same Temple in Japan were not of Netaji. party. Long live democracy! However, the same Government which accepted the other reports earlier, rejected Other searches the last one without assigning any cause. So The search for the truth was also made the mystery remains. by many independent personalities who had It is interesting to note that Justice doubts about the story of the air crash. Noted Mukherjee in his reports wrote: ‘The among them were Dr Satyanarayan Sinha, absence of any record relating to Netaji’s H. V. Kamath, , and many death and cremation (in respect of which he others. All these searches revealed gradually [Dr Yoshimi] claimed to have played a that the air crash theory was an utter pivotal role) clearly demonstrates that he falsehood. Similarly, doubts have been was not telling the truth.’ (Mukherjee expressed about the truth of Bose’s ashes Commission Report. V.1. p.74. as quoted in allegedly kept in the Renkoji temple. Ghosh 94) It must be admitted that Gandhi Regarding the documents submitted by galvanized the people of India for quite Harin Shah, the Mukherjee Commission some time and, in his social position, he reported that ‘Even a cursory glance of the went on deciding the political fate of the entries in these documents makes it country. He was called ‘Father of the abundantly clear that they could not and do Nation’ by none else than Subhas Chandra not by any stretch of imagination relate to Bose in a radio broadcast from Singapore in Netaji.’ (Anup 644) 1944. Hailing Subhas as ‘Prince among And about the plane crash theory, the Patriots’ by Gandhi earlier in 1942, when report states, ‘Not a scrap of paper—not to the former was in command of the Indian speak of any contemporary official National Army, was a lesser degree of an document—was forthcoming to corroborate acknowledgement of his patriotism. At the the oral version of the plane crash even time of India’s achieving the political though it was expected that in the official freedom Gandhi allowed himself to recede, course of business there would be record almost compulsorily, to the background and maintained by the authorities concerned to after the independence almost none of his prove the fulcrum of the crash.’ (Anup 636) pet ideas were translated into action. How Under the above conditions, the many people follow him now? Is non- Mukherjee Commission dismissed the violence—physical, economic, moral and verdict of both the Committee and ethical—the leading force in the country? Commission prior to him including the death How many people fast for their inner certificates. He submitted his report reformation? Fasting is only an instrument verbatim in accord with the terms set for his of political action, a way of creating pressure Commission. But power gives blunt tenacity on the opponent, then and now; consider if it to hold on to its own conviction on the basis is fully non-violent in the real sense—Satya of which the Committee and Commission’s or Truth! Real spirituality is one thing and

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rites are different as we always view around comments Anil Seal, a modern historian. us in innumerable fashions. The ways of life History, Politics, Literature and some and lifestyle of M. K. Gandhi as a dreamer such things are very controversial. It is and social practitioner was great though desirable that all the students and learners grotesque, he had great power over his should be given the opportunity to learn people; but as a political leader, how many from different sources afresh so they can Himalayan blunders didn’t he commit? arrive at their own opinion on the subjects Some he himself admitted. If Netaji’s like the roles of revered personalities and disappearance remains a shameful mystery, leaders, their actual position in society, M. K. Gandhi’s position also remains misty. weaknesses and strength. They should learn ‘In the high politics of the end game, the true —ancient, medieval Partition and the transfer of power, Gandhi, and modern, for example, the whole story of sidelined by his erstwhile lieutenants, Netaji’s disappearance, his efforts and wandered about the country to Calcutta and activities to free Mother India. I think India Noakhali like some later-day Lear, deploying has not yet paid the tribute due to her the remnants of his moral authority in greatest patriot, freedom fighter and true a vain attempt to quell the communal leader. Let there be a proper evaluation of furies which Partition had unleashed.’6 Netaji by his unbiased countrymen. „

NOTES AND REFERENCES

3 Sri Aurobindo, On Himself, Pondicherry: exclusive/1/429400.html SABCL; Sri Aurobindo Ashram. 1972, 5 ‘What If Netaji Came Back?’ by Swapan p. 402. Dasgupta in Outlook dated 23.8.2004, 4 Sandeep Unnithan. New Delhi, April 10, p. 26. 2015 | UPDATED 11:18 IST) 6 ‘The Patron Saint Mohandas Karamchand http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/jawaharlal- Gandhi’ by Anil Seal in India Today. The nehru-netaji-subash-chandra-bose-spy- Millennium Series, p. 13.

WORK CITED

1 Netaji and India’s Freedom-Proceedings of 5 Ghosh Pabitra Kumar, Netajir Mrityukahini the International Netaji Seminar, Ed. Sisir Asatya, : Mitra O Ghosh Publishers K Bose, 1973, Kolkata: Netaji Research Pvt. Ltd., 2006. Bureau. 1975. 6 Roy Purabi, Kolkata: The Search for Netaji: 2 Chattopadhyay Anup, Netajir Khonjkhabar, New Findings. Kolkata: Purple Peacock Kolkata: Tetris Worldcom Ltd. 2008. Books & Arts Private Limited. 2011. 3 Freedom. A paper in it: ‘Themes in a 7 Revolt of RIN Ratings (February 1946): Political Biography of Subhas and Sarat Indian Book Chronicles (IBC); Supplement Chandra Bose’ by Leonard Gordon. with February 2006 issue. Jaipur, India. Columbia University, New York. 8 The English Writings of Rabindranath 4 Dhar Anuj, India’s Biggest Cover–up, Tagore. Ed. Sisir Kumar Das. New Delhi: New Delhi: Vitasta Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Sahitya Akademi. 2002. Reprint. V. 3, 1912. pp. 716-719.

34 Bulletin of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture  September 2017