MOIRANG DIWAS : A DAY TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ETERNITY

 Today, the 14th of April marks a day which all of us Indians living in an independent India must revere, cherish and remember. It was on this day in the year of 1944, the Indian National Army had unfurled the tri - colour for the first time on mainland Indian soil in Moirang, which is located in the Indian state of Manipur. The tri - colour had been hoisted by Col. Shaukat Mallik of the Indian National Army along with other members of the INA and the former chief minister of Manipur, Shri Mairembam Koirengh Singh.

This day was a sign of victory after the arduous struggle carried on by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army. It indeed was a stepping stone to freedom. The Britishers had themselves claimed in some declassified documents in 2013, that the battle with the INA was the bloodiest that they had ever fought. 

This day truly marked that India was for Indians. Even though the INA had lost the war due to some disloyal soldiers who gave inner information, the struggle set an example for the entire nation. The martyrdom attained by 26000 soldiers paved the way for our independence from the imperialist colonial British rule.

As I look back to the times when the INA was fighting on India's borders to set her free, braving against the unforgivable and rough terrain along with torrential rains, I visualize their supreme sacrifice which is one of the prime reasons why today I am able to write this from a sovereign nation and not a colony. The sacrifice done by Netaji and the INA is something inexpressible in words- the courage and valor they took to hoist the flag on mainland Indian soil. 

When I recall these events of the past not so long ago, I realize how fortunate we are to be born in a free country. But unfortunately we haven't been able to commemorate the struggle of the INA and Netaji and neglected them from our history textbooks. However, they will continue to be alive in our hearts and minds for they are immortal. 

After thinking about their struggle, I feel that I must work hard and serve my country by all means on the principles of what Netaji had envisaged and also what the martyrs of the INA had perceived free India to be like. 

Jai Hind!