The Fascinating Journey of Subhash Chandra Bose: From German Submarine to Indian Independence
The Submarine Mission: February 1943
On February 9, 1943, a German submarine set sail from Kiel, Germany, carrying Nazi soldiers and a notable passenger—an Indian named Matsuda. The mission was to transport Matsuda to a Japanese submarine by navigating through dangerous waters full of British ships during World War II. After a perilous two-and-a-half-month journey, the submarine reached Madagascar's coast on April 26, 1943. Amid a storm, the submarines could not immediately connect, but once the weather cleared, Matsuda, on a small raft, reached the Japanese submarine, where he was welcomed by Captain Masao Teraoka.
The Indian on this mission was none other than Subhash Chandra Bose, a pivotal figure in India's fight for freedom. His journey marked him as the first Indian to travel in a submarine, setting the stage for his significant role in the Indian independence movement.
The Rise of Bose: From Calcutta to Berlin
The story of Subhash Chandra Bose's struggle for India's independence is remarkable. In 1939, the outbreak of World War II saw Viceroy Lord Linlithgow declare war on behalf of India without consulting any Indian leaders. This decision led to the resignation of Congress ministers. Bose, then leading the Forward Bloc, broke away from Congress due to ideological differences and his desire to use the war to India's advantage.
In July 1940, Bose was arrested by the British government in Calcutta. His hunger strike led to his release, and he was placed under house arrest instead. Bose planned to escape to Germany, seeking support to fight the British. Disguised as an insurance agent, he secretly left his home on January 16, 1941, and traveled through a series of covert routes to reach Kabul.
Bose's escape from India remained a secret for days, and once discovered, the British intelligence could not catch him. He eventually made his way to Germany via Moscow, using a false Italian identity, Orlando Mazzotta. In Berlin, he had three main objectives: to establish an Indian government in exile, to reach out to the Indian people, and to form an Indian army.
Bose in Berlin: Establishing the Indian Government
In Germany, Bose faced the challenge of gaining diplomatic recognition for India. Despite his efforts, Hitler remained unsupportive, as he viewed British rule in India favorably. However, Bose managed to establish the Free India Centre in Berlin on November 2, 1941. He also launched Azad Hind Radio to broadcast his message to the Indian people and the world.
In February 1942, Bose revealed his identity and used Azad Hind Radio to urge Indians to continue the struggle for independence. He also began forming the Indian Legion, an army unit composed of Indian prisoners of war, although it was small compared to his ambitions.
Shifting Focus to Japan: The Formation of the INA
By mid-1942, Bose shifted his focus to Japan. He met with Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, who agreed to support the Indian independence movement. Bose traveled to Japan and met with Tojo, who pledged Japan's support.
In Singapore, Bose took command of the Indian National Army (INA), which had been initially formed by General Mohan Singh but had been disbanded. Bose revitalized the INA, which soon had 13,000 soldiers. His plan was to expand the army and ultimately march to Delhi.
The INA, under Bose's leadership, became a symbol of Indian unity and resistance. The motto of the INA was "Ittefaq, Itmaad, and Qurbani" (Unity, Faith, and Sacrifice), and its regiments were named after prominent freedom fighters.
The INA's Campaign: Challenges and Setbacks
The INA's campaign included the significant Battle of Imphal and Kohima, lasting from March to July 1944. Although initially successful, the campaign faced severe challenges due to weather conditions, Japanese losses in the Pacific, and supply line attacks by the British. Despite these setbacks, Bose's efforts to mobilize Indian forces and rally support for independence were noteworthy.
Legacy and Recognition
On August 21, 1943, Bose established the Provisional Government of Azad Hind in Singapore, marking a historic moment in India's independence struggle. The government had the authority to collect taxes, enforce laws, and recruit soldiers. By December 1943, the Japanese government ceded control of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Bose, making them the first Indian territory freed from British rule.
Bose's efforts, including his interactions with Gandhi and his call for unity among Indian leaders, left a lasting legacy in India's history. His vision of an independent India and his determination to fight for it, despite the odds, continue to inspire.
Conclusion
Subhash Chandra Bose's journey from a German submarine to leading the INA in Singapore is a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's freedom. His strategic alliances, diplomatic maneuvers, and military campaigns played a crucial role in the struggle against British rule. Bose's story is not just a chapter in India's history but a powerful narrative of courage and patriotism.
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