I normally avoid binge-watching the shows over streaming services. But yesterday was different. I binge-watched ‘The Forgotten Army’ on Amazon Prime, and it was totally worth it.
The mini-series is based on the fictional account of a British Indian Army soldier who was part of the Azad Hind Sena (Indian National Army or INA for short). INA was formed out of the Indian POWs captured during Japan’s Singapore campaign during the WW-II.
INA was led by Subhash Chandra Bose. The British had termed him one of the most dangerous revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement and placed him under house arrest. But he escaped. He tried securing the help of first Russia and then the Axis powers against the British. The Imperial Japanese army agreed to help him. Subhash Chandra Bose led the 50,000 strong INA from the north-east frontier.
INA made some major inroads into the Indian territory until their march was halted by the lack of supplies from the Japanese (who were losing the war), the onset of heavy monsoons and the resultant famine and diseases. More than 26,000 INA solders lost their lives during those horrific months.
The INA officers captured during the war were to be hanged as traitors of the British Indian Army. But even if they had lost the war, they had managed to destroy the loyalty of Indian soldiers towards the British Indian Army. Soon, the sailors from the Bombay Naval Yard revolted. This fast-tracked the exit of British Empire from India, paving the way for the Indian independence. The British were forced to free the INA POWs.
But the saddest part is that the Indian government and the populace quickly forgot this decisive battle which was the most significant event of the war of the Indian independence. The soldiers of the INA were denied commission into the newly formed Indian army (because they were termed ‘traitors’), and denied the monetary benefits showered upon the other freedom fighters. Even in our history textbooks, these events are given only cursory importance.
Last night, I found it hard to sleep peacefully as I was too overwhelmed.
So, here’s a little tribute to the INA and its leader, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Jai Hind!
