Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was once upon a time closely connected to Shillong, then capital of Assam, and earned enormous popularity among the people of here irrespective of tribe, caste and religion. His tremendous influence on the youths of Shillong ignited their spirit of patriotism to join the freedom struggle. Many joined the Azad Hind Fouz led by Netaji.
It was June 12, 1927. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose came to Shillong for the first time to recover his health. Subhas was sent to Shillong from Mandalaya jail as his weight had abnormally reduced. He was under the supervision of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Netaji stayed in the ‘Kelsal Lodge’ in the European Ward (the present Oakland area), where he stayed till October 18, 1927. He was under medical supervision of Dr Pulin Bihari Dev, the only MB of then Shillong. Roy from Calcutta visited him sometimes in the ‘Kelsal Lodge’.
During that long stay, Netaji had no interaction with the people of Shillong but he was not deprived of love and affection of the then Shillongites.
Nabin Bordoloi and Tarunram Phukon, two young political leaders from Assam, used to give him company sometimes. Some kind-hearted ladies would send him home-made food. Among them, two prominent names were Begum Akhtarunnessa, wife of Haji Mowla Bux of Rockwood Cottage and Kusum Kumari Gupta, wife of Binode Gupta of Kench’s Trace.
In September 1938, Netaji came to Shillong as the President of AICC and stayed in ‘Asely Hall’ (near Earl Sanatorium). It was a very critical time for Assam under the leadership of Sir Sadullah, who was determined to form Muslim League Ministry in Assam. But Netaji came as a saviour and vehemently objected to the decision.
Despite various political activities, Netaji had close interaction with the people of Shillong. He was cordially invited by many organisations. He delivered patriotic speeches in Polo (near Matri Mandir), Opera Hall, Khasi Durbar Hall, Jail Road field (in picture), Hari Sabha Laban and Hindu Mission Anath Ashram Complex.
In the Opera Hall gathering, Jorjina Hazarika, a student of Lady Keane College, felicitated Netaji. In the Khasi Durbar Hall gathering, Netaji was felicitated by Khasi leader Rev. Joy Mohan Nichols Roy and others. The Bengali leader, in his speech, heartily appreciated the patriotic spirit of the people of Shillong and encouraged them to gear up to struggle for freedom. (Ref:- Shillong – er – Bangali Samajer Obodan by Professor Shyamadas Bhattacharjee)
A little girl, Kalpana Barua of Laban Assamese Girls’ High School, was so excited to hear of Netaji’s visit to Shillong (1938) that she started dreaming how to meet him and greet him. She took a small bag of muga and started collecting money from her relatives and friends to offer to the great leader.
She managed to collect Rs 75, a big amount at that time, and accompanied her father to the Hindu Mission Complex gathering to meet Netaji. When she offered the bag to Netaji, he eagerly asked her what to do with that money. The little girl replied promptly, “Spend on the service of Mother India.”
Netaji was so impressed that he remained speechless for some time. He patted her with warm affection and encouraged her to be a brave girl. She was none other than Kalpana Gupta (Barua), the first lady journalist of Assam.
One of the most remarkable and exceptional receptions was offered by St Edmund’s College. It is learnt from the description of Brother Viera, the then Principal of the college, that other than the students and faculty members, some distinguished British officers were also present in that meeting.
In that gathering Netaji said, “…. Yes I am a patriot, I love my country. If patriotism and terrorism are synonymous, then I would never object to be abused as a terrorist… My only question is why should our country remain under the yoke of a foreign rule? Freedom is the birth right of an individual, so as soon as possible the British should quit our country. We will rule our country ourselves, and this is normal. Even we shall have to take up arms and plunge into the fight against the British rule. I reiterate, we do not have any animosity against the British, they can stay in our country at ease, but not as ruler.”
Everybody was mesmerised at Bose’s magnetic personality and outstanding oratory; even the British officers were highly impressed. The Edmundians greeted Bose with a beautiful garland made of ‘Forget-Me-Not flowers’ that carried the message, ‘We shall never forget you’.
(Contributed by Uma Purkayastha)