NETHAJI: THE REAL HERO

                

Note: This story is based on Author’s fiction. It’s a fictional representation of Nethaji’s mystery and the politics involved in his death. The information written in this is based on facts and data collected from various people.

JAPAN MINISTRY:

18 AUGUST 1945:

On 18th August 1945, the Japan ministry office organized an important meeting with their army officers and other ministers. Inside the office, the President of the country unveils an important information through an informer. He tells: “An important news to the world country. Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose have died in an Air crash.” The whole world is shocked upon hearing the death of Nethaji. But, Indian people refused to believe that he died in the air crash.

2022:

MADURAI, TAMILNADU:

The events about Subash Chandra Bose’s deaths are mentioned in a book called “The Nethaji Diaries” written by ex-freedom fighter Karuppuswamy Thevar, an 86-year old Tamil man from Madurai. Although his book was supported by the present ruling party Bharathiya Janatha Party, the opposition party Indian National Congress have tried to ban his book through an organized protests and riots.

Shyam Keshavan, a local Youtuber, who criticize left-wing politicians and their corruptions was fascinated with the mystery of Nethaji. Even the current government is keen to investigate about this. Henceforth, he calls him for an interview at his house. Before starting with the interview, he asked his co-workers to stop recording or streaming the video.

They obeyed his orders. While, Karuppuswamy Thevar comes inside the house and takes a seat. There, Shyam asked him: “Sir. In this so called book ‘The Nethaji Diaries’ you have directly pointed out big politicians for hiding the true history of India. But, what’s the evidence for all these rhetoric theories?”

Drinking an amount of water, Karuppuswamy Thevar asked him: “Shyam. You are always neutral in politics, right?” He nodded his heads after which, Karuppuswamy asked him, “Have you heard about journalist Anna Politkovskava?”

Thinking for a while, he replied: “Yes sir. She worked for the relatively small circulation Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and her reports about war, terrorism and their attendant human rights abuses had earned her countless death threats.”

Now, Karuppuswamy came to his point. He said: “Anna knew the risks only too well. Her friends begged her to stop. Her parents, her editors, her children. But she always answered the same way. How could I live with myself if I didn’t write the truth?” Shyam understood what Karuppuswamy is trying to say. The Journalists and politicians have worked together to hide several truths, that happened during the pre-Independence era.

However, still more, Shyam is doubtful with Karuppuswamy’s book due to which, he questioned: “If Nethaji’s death is on 1945, why should the Nehru government spy on Nethaji’s family till 1967 i.e., spying him for twenty years.

A while later, he asked him: “Sir. We never studied about Nethaji and his life. What truth are they trying to hide from us? Why are they trying to hide this from us? Why didn’t they test the DNA of Nethaji? Since, you was present during the time of pre-Independence era.”

Karuppuswamy holds his breath for a while and starts to tell the time of Pre-Independence era.

1879 TO 1940:

(To make the story effective, I adapt First-person narration.)

Nethaji is the ninth son of Jananki Das Bose and Prabhavathi. Since childhood days, he showed a lots of interest in the ideologies of Vivekananda. He secured first class rank in ICS at London. In India, we call ICS as IAS. Subash Chandra Bose didn’t wish to work as IAS under the British Government.

So, he didn’t even get the degree from London and returned to India. After coming back to India, he was attracted to the ideologies of Indian National Congress. Hence, he joined the Congress. After this, Nethaji and Jawaharlal Nehru became close friends.

Nethaji was involved in freedom fights and he was arrested by the British. They locked him in the prison. After this, he came out of prison. In 1938, he was selected as the leader of Congress party. During that time, he formed “Forward Black” group. He lead the group as Global Indian Leader and my father Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Thevar lead the Tamil group of “Forward Black.” During a meeting, Nethaji stated: “If I take next birth, I wish to be a Tamilian.” Further, he thought, “Just placing in the Legislative assembly is not enough. But, to wipe out British from India, we have to be intense and strong.” His patriotic and motivating speech reached all over India. Many people comes to know about Subash Chandra Bose.

Although Gandhi’s ideologies are known to the people and they liked it, people’s huge trust were in Nethaji. Since he said in particular: “Give me blood. I will give you freedom.” His valor talk inspired numerous youngsters and people, including me. Nethaji became a strength and source of inspiration to the youngsters. Other countries including British army feared for Subash Chandra Bose.

Since he had been forming Indian National Army against the British, he had been arrested by the British. In 1940’s, when Second World War began, British army were defeated. They started to lose the war. Taking this as an right moment, Nethaji joined hands with the enemy nations of British. He was determined to get freedom to the Indian nation.

In the prison, Subash Chandra Bose refused to eat. He started to do fasting in hope to get freedom for India. British officers feared, if something danger happened to Nethaji, then a big earthquake will break in India, especially amongst the youngsters. So, they requests him to stop fasting. However, he made this even more intense. Left with no way, they eventually released him.

After coming back from prison, he went out of India to make discussions with the enemy nations of British. The same time in 1941, with the help of his friends and my father, he crossed the Indian borders through car and train. Then, he reached Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. There, he revealed his identity to the agents of Italy. He said to them that, he have to go for Italy.

The agents informed this to the Italian government. Nethaji stayed in Kabul for sometime waiting eagerly for the reply of Italian Government. At that time, Italy sent two special officers to bring Nethaji. On March 18th, Nethaji went along with those two officers to Italy.

He was supposed to go for Italy through Russia. But, unexpectedly, a call came from Adolf Hitler, the former German Prime Minister. He asked Nethaji to come for their country.

PRESENT:

Shyam was extremely shocked upon hearing this from Karuppuswamy Thevar. He said: “Sir. I studied a lot about Adolf Hitler. He was very cruel to Jews. He have killed them through Concentration camps and was a very cruel Nazi propagandist. How did Nethaji agreed to meet him?”

Karuppuswamy Thevar now asked him to read a poem, that he have written to praise their meeting. Shyam read it: “War is peace,

Freedom is slavery,

Ignorance is strength.” Now, Thevar said: “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free,

A man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire, or preserve his freedom.”

1941 TO 1945:

MOSCOW:

Nethaji agreed to meet Hitler. He went to Moscow through a train. From there, he went to Berlin, the capital city of Germany. There, Hitler gives a special welcome to Subash Chandra Bose. It was the first time, monarch rulers such as Hitler was met by Nethaji to talk about India’s liberty.

“Don’t worry Nethaji. We will definitely stand with you for India’s freedom.” Hitler gives this as a promise to Nethaji. Subash Chandra Bose signs an agreement with Italy, Japan and Germany to free India from the British. In Germany, Nethaji forms 4,000 soldiers and trained them hard. He updated some information regarding this to my father.

Japan strongly supported Germany during the Second world War. They easily captured Singapore. Henceforth in 1942, the British army surrendered to the Japan soldiers. Japan succeeded everywhere during the period of Second World War. With the help of Japan, Nethaji thought he could free India from the British. He made a decision to go for Japan.

He thought how to go for Japan. Since, American troops and British ships were roaming here and there in the sea waters. Without getting caught with them, he have to go without their knowledge. So, he decides to go through sailing ships. But, this is very danger. Because there are bombings everywhere. However, Nethaji didn’t care about his life and started his journey to Japan in 1943.

The sailing ship, sent by Japan had been waiting near Madagascar. They have been waiting for Nethaji’s arrival. There, Nethaji shifted from German sailing ship to Japan sailing ship. His journey in ship took three months. From there, he went for Sumatra Islands, where he stayed for a period of one week.

From here, he went to Japan through an aircraft. In Japan, people welcomed him with grand celebrations. Japan promised to help Nethaji and his mission to free India from British colonization. From there, he goes to Singapore on July 22. Not only the Singapore people, even Malaysian and Chinese government gave grand welcome slogans to Nethaji.

Calling the Army soldiers, Nethaji pointed out new conditions for fighting the upcoming wars and tricks to defeat the enemies. At his young age, Nethaji joined National Army group and trained himself. He very well knew the duties, responsibilities and functions of Nethaji. Even the senior Army officers were impressed with the fighting skills of Nethaji. They wondered a lot about him. The whole world comes to know about Nethaji, at this point of time.

In 1943, Nethaji formed Democratic Indian government in Singapore. He takes charge as the Prime Minister and Commander of Army. Major Lakshmi Swaminathan, a Tamilian is appointed as the Women’s Army commander. Nethaji thought to open a bank for Democratic government. When working for that, a Islamic men asked him: “Nethaji. How much amount should we have to spend for this?”

Nethaji replied: “It could cost around 50 Lakhs.” The Islamic men initially agreed to give Rs. 30 Lakhs and requested him that: “He would give the remaining amount later.” Lots of amount were needed for Indian National army and Democratic government. For this, people contributed their own money. Several things offered to Nethaji went as an auction. In Burma, they managed to get 8 crores through the auction sales. Using this amount, Nethaji bought all the necessary weapons and equipment. At that time period, there were around 50,000 people in Indian National Army and 1,500 officers guided him.

The British were defeated by Indian National army. The same time, Jhansi Rani army started to march with lots of developments. Everyone hoped to chase out the British army. They further hoped that, Nethaji would tie the Indian Flag in Delhi. Everyone spoke about the same. But, at this point of time only, a major change happened which none had expected. American government came in support of British. They helped the British government in waging the war against their enemy nations.

The Russian Army troops capture Berlin, the capital of Germany. Left with no way, Hitler commits suicide along with his girlfriend. America attacked important cities Hiroshima-Nagasaki in Japan at 1945 using Atomic bombs, causing the future generation to experience the cancer radiation for lifetime.

PRESENT:

Hearing the bravery of Nethaji, Shyam felt emotional and said: “Sir. The only real prison is fear and the only real freedom is freedom from fear. Nethaji have proved this through his brave acts.”

Drinking some water, Karuppuswamy Thevar said to Shyam: “Young man. Here is my secret about Nethaji: I don’t mind what happens.”

1945:

Nethaji was living in Malaysia, when he heard about the news of Germany and Japan. From there, he immediately moves to Singapore. He ordered the Commandos about what to do next. At this point of time, Japan had an important news to tell for Nethaji. They said to him: “Nethaji. We will safely take you to Manjuria(in Russia). Then, you decide what to do.” So, the next day, Nethaji decides to go for Bangkok, from where he plans to move for Manjuria. 

Before leaving from Singapore, Nethaji passes two important news: First: “My greetings to Indian National Army. Although Japan have surrendered, there are lots of ways to enter inside our Delhi. Our ultimate goal is to free India from British government.” In the next news, he had a news to East Asian people: “It’s a burden that he have never before met in the history. Don’t break down with the temporary lose that we are meeting now. No one could stop India’s freedom from the British government. Soon, India would become independent. Jai Hind!”

10:00 AM:

After this news came out in radio, Nethaji went for Bangkok around 10:00 AM. From there, he went to Saigon through a flight. Indian National Army Colonel Abipur Rahman and S.A.Iyer(a Tamilian, who served as Minister of Democratic government formed by Nethaji) accompanied him in the flight. The trio gets down in Saigon Airport, where a Japan war flight was waiting to take Nethaji with them. However, they said: “Only one person can be able to sit in the flight. Hence, you alone can come and sit in the flight Nethaji.”The American army could capture the helicopter at anytime, and there are chances to arrest him. Knowing this very well, Nethaji agreed and went inside to sit in the helicopter.

A very few minutes later, there were seats for another person, due to which the commandos of the flight asked one more person to sit inside the flight. So, Abipur Rahman sat near to Nethaji. There, Nethaji said Jai Hind to the people in the Airport. The flight started it’s journey. But, no one knew where it goes and none know about this. None had expected that this will be the last journey of Nethaji.

It’s after this incident, a news came about Nethaji’s death on August 19th 1945. It was said through Japan radio. The radio said: “On August 19th 1945, around 2:00 PM, Nethaji’s flight met with an accident in Taikoho Airport located near to Burmese Islands and he died. Rahman was injured in the accident. Hearing this news, Indian people was puzzled and shocked for a moment of time. But, none believed this news.

PRESENT:

“Some claimed that Nethaji is alive. Even after India’s independence, people hoped that Nethaji would return alive.” Karuppuswamy Thevar said. Hearing this, Shyam was curious to know what exactly happened to Nethaji when he went in the flight. He asked the same question to Karuppuswamy Thevar.

AUGUST 1945:

So many commission had been formed to find out what happened to Nethaji that time. In August 1945, British India Government had sent two officers to Japan. Further, they asked the Japanese government to report whether this is true or false. As per this, the two officers inquired the Saigon officers and Taikoho officers(where Nethaji met with an accident). They spoke with the military head of Taipei hospitals. As per this, when Nethaji was getting ready to go for Tokyo on August 18 around 2:00 PM.But, the flight eventually met with an accident and he was immediately taken to the nearby hospitals of Taipei. He was alive the same day till the period of night time. Then, he died.

This information is said by the officers to the British and Indian government. However, the Indian people refused to accept the thesis of those two officers. So in 1946, John G. Fergus, a senior British officer once again went for Japan to investigate about Nethaji’s death.

During this time, he collects an important evidence. The evidence is about Nethaji’s treatment in Nanmon Military hospitals, after he met with the flight accident. In this hospitals, Japanese Doctor Toyosi Suruto spent some time with Nethaji, during his last moments. John G investigates Toyosi. After the investigation, John G. Fergus returned to India where he said to the British Government: “There were burns in Nethaji’s body. During that time, he conversed in English with Toyosi. He have asked him to stay with him for the whole night. A very few minutes later, Nethaji’s health condition worsened. Within few hours, he went into coma. After this, he died. His death was around 7:00 to 8:00 as per the local time of Japan.” John G. mentions this clear through his report on 25 July 1946.

After this, Captain Yusumi in Japan have said: “There were lots of injuries and burn marks in Nethaji’s body. His head, chest, heart and laps part were worst. Since he conversed mostly in English, we had a translator with us. That translator only spoke with Nethaji for so many hours. As time went, he went unconscious and murmured something. He didn’t get back to consciousness. Around 11:00 he passed away.”

However, the same doctor Toyosi in an interview during 1995 have said: “When treatment have been going on for Nethaji, a military officer have came to me and said he is Subash Chandra Bose. An important person. Do something and save his life doctor. At that time only, Nethaji have lost his consciousness. The officer asked Nethaji to tell what should he want to do for him. Nethaji said: ‘I feel like my blood is going inside my head. I feel like sleeping.’ So, I injected him. After this, he became unconscious and died.”

In 1956, India formed a commission and asked what happened. Japan shared one more report to them. In this report, 13 eye witnesses including passengers and doctors, who travelled with Nethaji have shared their confessions about his death. This report further stated about the way, the flight met with accident.

When the flight have been flying around 20 meters, it’s left engine’s pro-polar fan got damaged. Hence, the flight lost it’s balance and fell down. At that time, back passengers escaped from the flight. While, front passengers get burned through burning materials of the flight. When Nethaji was taken out, his whole body was burning. They tried to remove his dresses. However, the sweater, that he wore to sustain the cold winds was burning fiercely. Even a Nurse have said the same report.

She have applied Olive oil in Nethaji’s body. He used to ask water for some hours. Then he murmured something. The nurse have showed his bed, where he received treatment. His body was cremated in Tokyo, where his remains and ashes still remain in a temple.

PRESENT:

At present, Karuppuswamy Thevar remains silent for some time. While, Shyam had little tears in his eyes. Now, Karuppuswamy continued to tell: “There were rumors that Subash Chandra Bose didn’t die. He was indeed alive. This has been spread as a news.”

“What’s the reason for this thesis sir?” asked Shyam to which, Karuppuswamy replied: “According to my father, there are several thesis regarding Nethaji’s mystery. One: Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose’s death reached International media and local media faster. They all went there. But, none were allowed to take a single photo of his death. Even they were forbidden to see his dead body and tomb.”

“The second thesis?”

Karuppuswamy replied: “The second thesis of my father: Nethaji joined hands with big countries such as Japan, Germany and Italy to defeat the British government. He further planned strategies for that. Till now, there is no death certificate for him. However, there are people who said the death certificate has been given to him. In the later years, it have went missing. The third. Nethaji didn’t die in air crash. He was there in Russia until 1995. Even the government officials know this well.”

For some moments, Karuppuswamy paused his conversation. Coughing for a second, he said: “There’s fourth thesis regarding Nethaji’s mystery.”

Shyam looked at him and asked: “Sir. What’s that?”

1975:

Nehru’s sister Vijayalakshmi said in a public meeting to everyone an important news. She said: “I went to Russia one day. There, I saw a big men. If I said this now, all of our Indian people would feel happier.” She further made references about people’s happiness during the independence in 15th August 1947. But, this happiness would be 100x times more than that. However, Jawaharlal Nehru stopped her conversation in the public meeting.

PRESENT:

“Sir. We have latest technologies now. Why can’t we do DNA test with Nethaji’s dead body’?” Shyam asked him to which, Karuppuswamy replied: “We have to ask this to the present politicians only Shyam.”

At last, he said about anothet conspiracy theory: "The agreement formed by the British government to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru for India’s independence. But, they put a condition to give Nethaji to them. Gandhi and Nehru agreed to this condition. He was given to the British officials."

Shyam felt emotional and said: “Sir. Actually, our Nethaji’s photo should have come in our Indian rupee note. But, we have to note the most intolerable thing here. The history books, which we all studied didn’t even tell about Nethaji and his contributions to India’s independence movement. They didn’t put much about him.” Wiping off a drop of tears in his eyes, Shyam further said: “Nethaji is right sir. Non-violence won’t work out. We have to retaliate against the violence with valor and bravery sir.”

Karuppuswamy left a smile and said: “Shyam. You know? The British government gave us freedom not because of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence. But, because of Nethaji and Adolf Hitler. They feared a lot for these two people. My father have tried his best to research about Nethaji’s mystery. I have henceforth written this as a book. So, take your decisions and if needed, try to investigate and dig more about Nethaji’s mystery.”