Azaadi Ke Liye -2020- S01 ... — The Forgotten Army -

“The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye -2020- S01” did not break streaming records. It was drowned out by the launch of Tandav and the controversies surrounding other OTT shows. Yet, its impact is lasting.

In 2021, following the series’ release, the Indian government officially recognized June 23rd as “Azad Hind Diwas.” Furthermore, the series sparked a wave of academic interest in the INA; three new books on the Battle of Imphal were published in 2022, directly crediting the show for public demand.

The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye: Unveiling the Unseen Heroes of India's Freedom Struggle

The year 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule. As the nation celebrated this milestone, a lesser-known chapter in the country's freedom struggle came to light. The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye, a web series released in 2020, brought to the forefront the untold stories of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj. Formed in 1942, the INA was a military force that fought against British colonial rule in India, with the aim of achieving independence.

The Birth of Azad Hind Fauj

The INA was born out of the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. During World War II, thousands of Indian soldiers, sailors, and civilians were captured by the Japanese while serving in the British Indian Army. The Japanese, seeking to weaken British colonial rule, saw an opportunity to create a military force composed of Indians who were willing to fight for their freedom. The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye -2020- S01 ...

In 1942, Mohan Singh, a captain in the British Indian Army, who had been captured by the Japanese, met with Japanese officials to discuss the possibility of forming an Indian army to fight against the British. This meeting marked the beginning of the Azad Hind Fauj. The INA's formation was also influenced by Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent Indian nationalist leader who had escaped from British imprisonment in 1941.

Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA

Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, played a pivotal role in the formation and leadership of the INA. In 1943, Bose, who had been living in exile in Germany, traveled to Japan, where he met with Indian prisoners of war and began to rally support for the Azad Hind Fauj. Bose's vision for the INA was not only to fight against British colonial rule but also to create a modern, secular, and socialist India.

Under Bose's leadership, the INA grew rapidly, with over 40,000 soldiers, including Indians, Japanese, and other nationalities. The INA's military campaigns took place in Southeast Asia, particularly in Burma (now Myanmar) and Northeast India. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the INA fought bravely against British and Allied forces.

The Forgotten Army: Uncovering the Truth “The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye -2020-

The web series, The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye, directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Phantom Films, brings to life the stories of the INA soldiers, who were largely forgotten by history. The series, which consists of 5 episodes, is based on the book "The Forgotten Army: India's Brave Men of Azad Hind Fauj" by M.R. Dutt.

Through interviews with veterans and archival research, the series reveals the sacrifices and bravery of the INA soldiers, who fought against impossible odds. The show also explores the complex relationships between the INA soldiers, the Japanese, and the Indian National Congress, which was the dominant nationalist movement in India at the time.

The Impact of the INA on India's Freedom Struggle

The INA's military campaigns, although ultimately unsuccessful, had a significant impact on India's freedom struggle. The INA's formation and actions challenged British colonial rule and inspired other nationalist movements in India. The British government, which had previously downplayed the INA's significance, was forced to acknowledge the organization's role in the freedom struggle.

The INA's legacy also had a profound impact on Indian politics. The Congress, which had initially been skeptical of the INA, began to see the organization as a symbol of Indian nationalism and bravery. The INA's soldiers, who were captured by the British, were put on trial, but their courage and conviction inspired a wave of nationalist sentiment in India. In 2021, following the series’ release, the Indian

The Legacy of the Forgotten Army

The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye is more than just a web series; it is a tribute to the unsung heroes of India's freedom struggle. The series serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of Indians who fought for their country's independence. The INA's legacy continues to inspire Indians today, with many regarding the organization as a symbol of national pride and bravery.

In 2019, the Indian government officially honored several INA veterans, recognizing their contributions to the freedom struggle. The government also established a museum in Delhi to commemorate the INA's history.

Conclusion

The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye is a powerful reminder of the unseen heroes of India's freedom struggle. The web series brings to light the sacrifices and bravery of the Indian National Army soldiers, who fought against British colonial rule. As India continues to celebrate its independence, it is essential to remember the legacy of the INA and its impact on the country's freedom struggle. The story of the Forgotten Army serves as a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and nationalism.

The series revives conversation about a neglected facet of anti-colonial resistance, prompting viewers to reconsider the many forms of struggle that contributed to independence and the costs borne by ordinary soldiers.