EAM’S remarks at the release of “Chalo Delhi” in Singapore

19/06/2007

I am very pleased to be able to release the 12th volume of Netaji’s Collected Works today. The period covered by this volume is 1943-45 and it is particularly appropriate that the release of this volume takes place in Singapore, where Netaji spent those years. At the outset, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Prof. Sugata Bose who has edited the Collected Works. I join him in mourning the absence of Dr. Sisir Kumar Bose, his co-editor and Netaji’s nephew. I am sure that he is with us in spirit today. I would also like to thank the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and the Singapore Indian Association for their initiative in organising this function in Singapore.

In perusing this volume, a number of thoughts cross our minds in respect of Netaji himself, the historical significance of the struggle that he led, and the long-term impact of ideas that he so effectively articulated. The period 1943-45, as you are all well aware, represents the zenith of his endeavours. This volume, in fact, covers many of his key speeches and exhortations. We see the different dimensions of Netaji - as a political leader, as a military strategist, as an analyst of his contemporary global scene, and above all, as a humanist who connected so uniquely with those beside him. Many of the speeches and writings are of an emotional nature, which can move a reader even six decades later. But there are others as well, which reflect Netaji’s deep analysis and perceptive thoughts about India and its future. On the occasion of this release, it would probably be most appropriate to dwell on the contemporary relevance of Netaji and his message.

To my mind, the most immediate lesson that we can draw from Netaji’s life and his endeavours is an understanding of the importance of the external environment in shaping national destinies. It is by now widely recognised that the collapse of the British Empire came about as a consequence of political, military and social developments in which Netaji played such a leading role. The British may have won the war in 1945, but in the process of doing so, were compelled to accept fundamental changes in how the system was run, which made the empire untenable by 1946. In his special message on 15 August 1945, Netaji had expressed confidence that “There is no power on earth that can keep India enslaved. India shall be free and before long.” If within two years to that very day India attained independence, it was because Netaji leveraged a global situation to mount enormous pressure on the colonial regime. International politics offers both opportunities and risks, as much today as it did 60 years ago. Netaji demonstrated a boldness of vision and action that had great consequences for India’s freedom. Today, in a very different environment, India debates the linkage between the international system and our domestic processes of change. We can draw strength and confidence from Netaji’s policies as we engage the world more intensively.

The impact of Netaji on Singapore specifically and Southeast Asia more broadly was dramatic. He infused courage and determination among those who were willing to resist colonialism. His very presence provided greater confidence and self-respect to communities that had earlier simply accepted their fate. He was not just a leader of the Indian National Movement but a dominant personality in a larger anti-colonial surge that spread through the entire region. His impact on national movements in Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia is indisputable. If you read or re-read some of his addresses to a larger audience in this volume, the broadness of his vision and the generosity of his temperament come through very strongly. We in India are currently engaged in reconnecting the country with Southeast Asia and East Asia. This is the kernel of our “Look East” policy, which is expressed in many dimensions and facets. To be successful, we have to draw upon the legacies of history. This may go back to the Nalanda era or the Chola period. But in its more contemporary manifestation, there is no more powerful symbol of India’s brotherhood with the nations east of us than Netaji. I am sure that in the times ahead, there will be still greater appreciation of his contribution to shaping the post-War developments in this region.

In November 1944, Netaji gave a lecture in Tokyo on “The Fundamental Problems of India.” It is covered in this volume and I would particularly commend that lecture to the attention of those who may not have read it before. In this speech, Netaji dispels many colonial myths about India. He does so with pride but without jingoism. He analyses the impact of other national movements on India, which buttresses the point I made earlier about his internationalist approach. Netaji also attempts what he calls a sociological analysis of modern India. He differs with Mahatma Gandhi on many issues, but does so with respect and without rancour. But the most interesting element of his talk is what he outlines as the key priorities that would have to be addressed by modern India – self-defence, poverty and unemployment and the problem of education. These are exactly the issues that we in India are grappling with in our current reforms.

In a national movement that was driven by secularism, Netaji was probably the most secular of its leaders. His commands, directives and speeches, particularly of the INA period, convey that commitment in the strongest terms. The congruence between true nationalism and secularism – which Netaji embodied – is a principle that India can neglect only at its own cost. Whether it was his choice of language, his selection of symbols, or his preference for companions, Netaji taught us that India’s unity was truly in its diversity. That lesson will always be a key to our progress.

Before I came here for the book release, I visited the site where the INA Memorial once stood in Singapore. It was a poignant moment. A full appreciation of the historical significance of Netaji and his life is still underway. But I believe that this series of his Collected Works will do much to make that possible. I would, once again, like to express my appreciation to the organisers of this event. Thank you.