Governor praises Netaji’s bold stance against British colonialism

Governor R.N. Ravi praises Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's role in hastening India's freedom from British colonial rule.

It would have taken longer for India to get freedom but for Netaji, whose services to the nation must be remembered with gratitude, Governor R.N. Ravi said in Tiruchi on Thursday.

Speaking at the 128th birth anniversary celebrations of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Bharathidasan University on Saturday, the Governor said that the bold stance of the leader and the Indian National Army (INA) against the British Raj, rather than the Quit India Movement, had contributed in a big way towards the end of the colonial rule in the subcontinent in 1947.

Citing a published account of a 1956-conversation where P.B. Chakraborthy, then-Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court and as acting Governor of West Bengal, asked former British Prime Minster Clement Atlee about reason for the end of the Raj in India, Mr. Ravi said that the INA’s campaigns, rather than non-violent movements like Quit India had hastened the exit of the colonial power.

“The Royal Indian Navy sailors staged a revolt against the British in 1946, because they had been inspired by Netaji. The fire for freedom which Netaji had ignited had made many others to raise their voice. But for him, our fight for Independence would have taken longer. We must remember his efforts with a deep sense of gratitude,” he said.

A large number of INA war veterans and their families were present.

The Governor praised the deep-rooted ties of Tamil people with Bose. “Tamil Nadu has a special relationship with Netaji – the people kept him in their hearts, as could be seen by the presence of Tamil soldiers in the INA,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Ravi inaugurated ‘Netaji Memorial Cosmic Constellation Contour Garden’ and an exhibition of photographs related to the leader on the university campus.