| In August 1945 when
Japan was negotiating for surrender, Bose left for Tokyo to ascertain the future of the
INA. He took off on 17th August from Bangkok in a bomber and reached Farmosa on the
following afternoon. After lunch and refuelling,
his plane resumed the journey, but within minutes it met with disaster, dived headlong and
burst into flames. Bose was picked up badly burnt and bruised. He was removed to the
hospital but by 8 or 9 p.m. his end had come.
Before he died however, he dictated this message to his companion: "I have fought for
Indian freedom till the last. Tell my countrymen India will be free before long. Long live
free India!"
The rosary and the tiny Gita which he always carried in his person lay intact.
Thus ended the glorious life of Netaji. |
