This week, India marked the 80th anniversary of a pivotal moment in its struggle for independence — the hoisting of the tricolor by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Port Blair on December 30, 1943
Sajida A Zubair
WHEN our team arrived in Caddlegunj to document the oral history of the Andaman Islands, little did we know that it would mark the beginning of an emotional odyssey. Along the way, we encountered Bhagwan Singh — a personality so remarkable that his story left an indelible impression on all of us. Through him, I came to realise that the history of these islands is not only enriched by the sacrifices of freedom fighters but also by the profound contributions and sacrifices of those who chose to make these islands their home.
After 1942, as the protests against British rule intensified across India and the colonial power began contemplating its departure, a small East Asian nation turned its attention to the Andaman Islands with the intent of claiming a part of India. That nation was Japan, marking a unique episode in Indian history as the only instance where a non-European country occupied Indian territory. The Japanese occupation of the Andaman Islands remains one of the most overlooked chapters of World War II and India’s freedom struggle, despite being a time of unparalleled brutality. The extent of the suffering during this period is evident from the fact that when the British regained control of the islands after their victory in World War II, the islanders welcomed them back as liberators.
During this dark period of barbarity, a young Bhagwan Singh, only five or six years old, witnessed unimaginable tragedy when his father, Malkhan Singh, was captured by the Japanese on suspicion of being a British spy. Tragically, Malkhan Singh, along with 43 other Indian civilians, met a grim fate on January 30, 1944, as they were executed at point-blank range. This horrific event unfolded exactly a year after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian tricolor on the Andaman Islands on December 30, 1943.
As Bhagwan Singh recounted the harrowing tale of his father’s death, he was overcome with emotion, shedding tears that deeply moved every member of our team. It was a story of unspeakable loss and resilience that none of us could hear without tears of our own. Tragically, just a month after we completed filming, Bhagwan Singh passed away, taking with him many untold truths of history. The Homfreyganj Memorial stands as a living testament to this sacrifice.
This week, we marked the 80th anniversary of a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence — the hoisting of the tricolor by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Port Blair on December 30, 1943. Netaji’s visit to the Andaman Islands during the final days of 1943 was steeped in symbolism yet shrouded in complexities.
Netaji’s brief yet historic stay in the Andaman Islands was emblematic of his commitment to India’s freedom, even as it unfolded under the shadow of Japanese control. This chapter, marked by both pride and tragedy, serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often overlooked narratives within India’s struggle for independence.
Arriving at Lamba Line Airport on December 29, 1943, Netaji was welcomed under strict Japanese surveillance, with carefully selected officials forming a silent guard of honour. His movements were meticulously controlled, with the Japanese determined to limit his interaction with the local population. Netaji was housed in the Chief Commissioner’s abandoned residence on Ross Island, while the local government offices were relocated to Aberdeen due to fears of Allied bombings.
Although Netaji toured parts of the islands and addressed gatherings, his engagements were heavily orchestrated. Villagers, hopeful of conveying their suffering, were denied any opportunity to speak directly to him. Even his visit to the Cellular Jail was carefully stage-managed, showing him only areas occupied by criminals engaged in mundane activities, while the sections housing Indians accused of espionage and subjected to brutal torture were deliberately concealed.
On December 30, Netaji ceremoniously unfurled the Indian national flag at the Gymkhana Grounds, marking the first time the tricolor was hoisted on Indian soil. His stirring address to the crowd, however, was delivered under the watchful eyes of Japanese officers, who ensured that no meaningful interaction occurred between him and the islanders.
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Sajida A Zubair is an educator, freelance writer, and documentary scriptwriter. She is also a Counseling Faculty member at IPERC. She can be reached at sajizuby@gmail.com
