Every year, on 23 January, the country celebrates the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, honouring his vital role in India’s struggle for independence.
But for Asha Sahay Choudhry, now 96, no reminder is needed for this special day. She vividly recalls meeting Netaji for the first time when she was just 15 years old.
In 1943, when Netaji reached Japan in a submarine via Germany to lead the freedom movement in East Asia, Asha expressed her desire to join the fight for India’s freedom.
Netaji initially convinced the girl that she was too young to join the regiment. However, just two years later, the teenager once again stood before him, demanding to let her join the force.
Raised in Japan amid the bombings of World War II, Asha was fearless in the face of war. Impressed by her resolve, Netaji welcomed her to join the newly-formed women’s regiment that was made to overthrow the British Raj in colonial India with the assistance of the Japanese.
Asha then moved from Japan to the training camp in Bangkok, where she received rigorous training. She learnt to handle machine guns, fire pistols, employ guerrilla warfare tactics, and even drive a truck.
After completing her training, she was appointed as a lieutenant in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army.
Asha had jotted down the experiences of her unusual life on scraps of paper and letters. Years later, her granddaughter-in-law, Tanvi Srivastava, translated these accounts into English.
The resulting book, ‘The War Diary of Asha-san’, became one of the most significant personal records of India’s freedom movement.
“We can never forget the moment our country was freed from the British Raj. I would like younger generations to understand the hardships behind the freedom movement,” Asha says in her frail voice.
“If anyone says anything against your country, be brave enough to stand for it and correct them,” she advises.