Bring back Netaji’s mortal remains from Japan: Daughter urges govt

New Delhi: Daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has appealed to the Centre to bring back the brave leader’s mortal remains from Tokyo, Japan, saying that ‘Do not keep Netaji exiled any longer!’

Anita Bose Pfaff ‘s appeal comes on the eve of Bose’s 128th birth anniversary celebrated as Parakram Diwas on January 23.

The leader’s mortal remains reportedly have been kept in Renkoji Temple for decades.

Pfaff wrote: ‘Many Indians still remember and honour the heroes of India’s independence struggle. Many freedom fighters had to flee their country during the colonial rule to avoid persecution and to continue the struggle from abroad. Many of them never returned to their motherland. Their remains remained in foreign lands. Netaji’s remains, too, were given a “temporary” home in Renkoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan.’

Pfaff pointed out that most Indian governments ‘hesitated or refused to welcome his mortal remains back home.’

She added that the priests of the Renkoji Temple and theJapanese government are willing to allow Bose’s remains return to him mother land.

Pfaff linked what she said the government’s hesitation to their hope that Bose escaped death in 1945.

‘However, with the release of 11 investigation reports and other documents related to his death, it is now widely accepted that Bose died in an airplane crash on August 18, 1945, in Taipei, Taiwan,’ she wrote.

She appealed the government not to keep ‘Netaji exiled any longer’, urging the authorities to allow the leader to return home, adding ‘Many compatriots still remember him, honour him and love him even to this day’.

The Union government in 2021 declared Parakram Diwas as a tribute to Bose’s courage, leadership, and dedication to India’s independence.

The day is observed with events including seminars, cultural programmes honouring Bose’s life and legacy.