Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's brief halt in Amritsar during his 'great escape' to Afghanistan

Neeraj Bagga

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Amritsar, January 23

The nation celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose on Sunday, but a few people know that he had a brief halt in the city while fleeing to Afghanistan in 1940-41 as well.

Disguised as a Muslim life insurance agent, Netaji escaped from his family home in Kolkata and halted here before crossing over to Afghanistan.

Legend has it…

• Disguised as a Muslim life insurance agent, Netaji escaped from his family home in Kolkata and halted here before crossing over to Afghanistan. Dr Saifudin Kitchlew, a prominent freedom fighter, was instrumental in giving invaluable tips to him to understand the Islamic culture. During his visit to the city, Bose had stayed in the Islamabad locality and interacted with local leaders here
• It was not his maiden visit to the city. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had even chaired a meeting in Amritsar on April 8, 1931, and declared that a mela would be held at the spot of cremation of Bhagat Singh every year

Dr Saifudin Kitchlew, a prominent freedom fighter, was instrumental in giving invaluable tips to Netaji to understand the Islamic culture. During his visit to the city, Bose had stayed in the Islamabad locality and interacted with local leaders.

A family, which had its roots in the city’s Islamabad area, still possess the rare picture of Netaji with local leaders and residents during his stay here. Besides, there were many locals who were part of his Azad Hind Fauj.

It was not his maiden visit to the city. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had even chaired a meeting in Amritsar on April 8, 1931, and declared that a mela would be held at the spot of cremation of Bhagat Singh every year.

Meanwhile, members of the Azad Hind Fauj Association paid rich tributes to Bose here on Sunday. Despite overcast sky and biting cold, several family members of freedom fighters were also present. The association headed by Manohar Singh Saini garlanded the statue of Bose located on Bhandari Railway over bridge. Saini said the nation was proud and indebted to the supreme sacrifices made by freedom fighters like Subhas Chandra Bose, which led to the freedom of the country. He said young generation should remember these sacrifices, follow the footsteps of freedom fighters and work for the development of the country.