The High Commission of India commemorated "Indian National Army (INA) Raising Day", last Monday.
It marks the establishment of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on October 21, 1943, at Royal Selangor Club.
The celebrations were held in partnership with the Netaji Service Centre, Netaji Welfare Foundation, Malaysia-India Heritage Group, Malaysian Bengalee Association, Kelab Rekreasi Abhijaan and the Royal Selangor Club.
The celebrations were held at the Royal Selangor Club in accordance with the extant Covid-related norms and protocols. Several members of the public also joined the celebrations virtually.
This year's celebrations assume special significance as India celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav - 75 years of Indian Independence.
The venue of the celebrations also has its own historic significance in this context.
The Royal Selangor Club is situated adjacent to the Selangor Padang (Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square), from where in September 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, in a rousing address to thousands of followers, inspired several youth across East Asia to join the cause of Indian independence.
High Commissioner, B.N. Reddy officially launched the INA Raising Day celebrations by unveiling the banner at the Selangor Padang.
The event began with a welcome speech by the High Commissioner who spoke about the important legacy of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army in Malaysia.
He thanked the INA veterans for gracing this solemn occasion despite their advanced age.
He highlighted how Netaji is an integral part of the historical linkages between India and Malaysia and that Netaji's spirit of selfless sacrifice continues to be an inspiration for today's youth.
Four INA veterans, accompanied by their families were key attendees at the event.
The celebrations continued with the excerpts from Netaji's speech on November 8, 1943 in the National Rally for the Consolidation of Greater East Asia.
INA Veterans Lt. N. Sundaram, N. Seethapathy and Ajit Kumar Roy spoke about their close association with the INA and its importance for the entire South East Asia.
Other INA Veterans include Tan Sri Datuk Dr KR Somasundaram and Madam Anjalai Ponnusamy, also shared their personal experiences virtually.
Excerpts of the Interviews of the veterans from the Rani Jhansi Regiment of the INA, Madam Datuk Rasamma Bhupalan and Dato Saroja Dev Param were shared virtually. The INA veterans were then felicitated by the High Commissioner.
INA Veteran, S.P. Narayanasamy, who is also the Secretary of the Netaji Service Centre spoke about the unique leadership of Netaji and the important role of INA in the freedom struggles of India and Malaysia.
Ratha Krishnan, President, Netaji Welfare Foundation, Prabhakaran S. Nair, co-founder of India-Malaysia Heritage Foundation, Dipak Mandal, President of the Kelab Rekreasi Abhijaan (Abhijaan Recreation Club) and Swapna Das, President of the Malaysian Bengalee Association from the partner organisations also addressed the audience.
The Malaysian Bengalee Association and the Kelab Rekreasi Abhijaan paid tribute to Netaji via musical and dance performances with music infused with patriotic spirit.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
