India Wouldn’t Be Free Without Bose, Gandhi’s Freedom Movement Became a ‘Non-Event’: Tamil Nadu Governor
Delivering a speech at Anna University in Chennai, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Ravi, expressed his belief that India’s freedom from British rule would not have been possible without the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose. Ravi claimed that Bose’s role in India’s independence has been misunderstood and under-appreciated, overshadowed by Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. He argued that the freedom movement led by Gandhi became a non-event after 1942, while Bose reignited the fight against British rule. Ravi highlighted key events, such as the naval revolt of February 1946 and the Indian Air Force strike, as direct consequences of Bose’s influence.
Ravi emphasized that the neglect extended not only to Bose but also to other freedom fighters and martyrs, including those from Tamil Nadu who significantly contributed to Bose’s Indian National Army (INA). He praised Bose’s progressive vision, noting his formation of a women’s battalion, a concept that only became a reality in the Indian military years later.
The Governor referred to a conversation from 1950 with then British Prime Minister Clement Attlee, where Attlee allegedly stated that the non-cooperation of the Indian National Congress had a minimal impact on prompting the British to leave India. Instead, Ravi claimed that it was the fear among the British of being insecure in India, especially after the Navy revolt and Air Force rebellion, that influenced their decision to grant India independence.
To highlight the gravity of the situation during that time, Ravi shared his research based on archival data from February and March 1946. He revealed that dispatches sent from India to Britain reflected a state of continuous fear and uncertainty. The reports described an imminent possibility of chaos, with the Central Intelligence warning that anything could happen at any time. The British authorities realized that even the Indian military and police could not be trusted. Ravi asserted that within a month of the revolt, the British decided to make India free, crediting this decision to the consequences of Bose’s actions.
The Governor concluded his speech by calling for a reevaluation of historical accounts to acknowledge the contributions of overlooked freedom fighters, like Bose, and the need for more research into his contributions and the INA. He urged state universities to establish Netaji chairs and encourage in-depth studies to shed light on the neglected aspects of India’s struggle for independence.
In response to Ravi’s remarks, there is a growing call among historians and scholars to revisit India’s history and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the freedom movement. Many believe that Bose’s contributions have indeed been undervalued and deserve greater recognition. Reevaluating historical narratives and shedding light on forgotten heroes can offer a more nuanced perspective on India’s path to independence.
As India continues to evolve, it is essential to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of all those who played a significant role in the nation’s journey toward freedom. By acknowledging the contributions of freedom fighters like Bose, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of India’s cultural, spiritual, and civilizational heritage.
