Subhash Chandra Bose paid a visit to Singapore. A large public meeting had been organised to accord a reception to Subhash by Ras Bihari Bose. He introduced Subhash Bose to the Indian people as ‘Netaji’.
Netaji Subhash was handed over the charge of the Indian National Army and the presidentship of Indian Independence League.
Netaji became Commander-in-Chief of the army and his army presented an emotion charged guard of honour to him.
The army was renamed ‘Azad Hind Fauz’ After becoming Commander-in-Chief he gave up civilian dress and then on always wore commander’s uniform.
Azad Hind Fauz had more than 40,000 soldiers with a women’s unit called ‘Rani Jhansi Regiment’ consisting of 100 women soldiers commanded by Laxmi Sehgal.
Azad Hind Fauz was made up of four brigades named Nehru Brigade, Gandhi Brigade, Azad Brigade and Subhash Brigade. It clearly showed how much he regarded Nehru and Gandhi deep down in his heart inspite of all the differences.
Subhash Brigade was commanded by Shahnawaz Khan.
On 21st June, 1943 an Interim Government of Independent India was formed with Netaji Subhash as its President-cum-Prime Minister and the Commander-in-Chief.
The government had its own Azad Hind Bank for finance and currency management. It also had national anthem, radio station and flag. Netaji adopted Congress flag as Azad Hind flag. Netaji Subhash was assisted by five ministers and eight members from Azad Hind Fauz. There were eight civilians also in his government. They were selected from Indian settlers in South-East and East Asia. Nine countries Japan, Burma, Thailand, Manchuko, Nanking, Phillipines, Germany, Italy and Croasia formally recognised the Interim Azad Hind Government.
On 22nd June, 1943 Netaji declared war against USA and Britain. He addressed to thousands of Indians at Singapore—‘The aim of our war is the freedom of India. It will be decisive battle and the victory will be ours.’
The crowd hailed Netaji and raised war cry against the enemy.
Meanwhile, Bengal suffered yet another famine. Millions died. The mother of Subhash Bose, Mrs. Prabhavati also passed away. But Subhash had little time for grieving as he was preparing to battle for the greater mother—India.
To finalise the battle plan a meeting was called. It was attended by Field Marshal Count Terachi, Chief Commander of Japanese forces in the East Asia. He expressed misgivings about Azad Hind Fauz as he thought the army was ill trained and not battle worthy.
He wanted to attack British India with Japanese army with the command in their hands. Azad Hind Fauz was supposed to assist them only. Subhash rejected the idea. An independence won for India by alien troops was not acceptable to him. He wanted to march to Delhi by dint of his own Azad Hind Fauz. He had full faith in the commitment of his soldiers.
At last Terachi and Subhash agreed that a regiment of Azad Hind Fauz will open the battle assisted by Japanese army. If it succeeded then entire fauz was to be put in the battle.
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