ICHR Sponsored National Seminar on Exploring the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Second World War and Freedom Movement of India with Special reference to North East India

Inaugural Session:

The two day Indian Council of Social Science Research (New Delhi) sponsored national seminar on “Exploring the Role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Second World War and Freedom Movement of India with Special reference to North East India” was held at Nanda Nath Saikia College, Titabar on 29^th & 30^th March, 2022. The seminar was organized by the Department of History, Nanda Nath Saikia College, Titabar in collaboration with Historical Society, Titabar and Dr. Rabindra Bordoloi, Assistant Professor, Department of History of the College was the Convener of the national seminar.

The registration of participants of the seminar was was started at 9.00 am to 10.00 am. After the registration, the Inaugural session starts at 10.00 am in the Jiba Kanta Saikia Auditorium of the college. The opening session starts with the chorus of Nanda Nath Saikia College and the students of the college had sung it. After the performance of the Chorus of the college, Convener of the Seminar Dr. Rabindra Bordoloi anchored the entire Inaugural Session of the seminar. The prominent guest who attended the inaugural session are Dr. Litool Baruah, Principal, Nanda Nath Saikia College, Titabar, Dr. Biswajit Baruah, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dibrugarh University (Assam), Dr. Sagar Baruah, Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon, Assam, Dr. Surendra Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi, Mr. Budhin Dutta, Head of the Department of History and Vice Principal of N.N. Saikia College, Titabar. Dr. Sagar Boruah, Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon, Assam and Joint Secretary, North East India History Association (NEIHA) attended the session as Keynote Speaker and Resource Person. Dr. Surendra Kumar, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi attended the session as Invited Guest and Resource Person. Convener Dr. Biswajit Baruah, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dibrugarh University attended as Invited Guest in the seminar.

Rabindra Bordoloi welcomes all the  invited guest to the stage and felicitated them with Assamese Gamusa and with a memento in the stage. After the felicitation event Dr. Biswajit Boruah , Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dibrugarh University lighted the lamp and other invited guest assisted him in the event.

Dr. Litool Baruah, Principal, Nanda Nath Saikia College, Titabar welcome all the guest and participants of the seminar and provided his Welcome Speech. In his speech Dr. Baruah gives special thanks to ICHR (New Delhi) for sponsoring the national seminar on “Exploring the Role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Second World War and Freedom Movement of India with Special reference to North East India”. He has also mention about the relevance of the seminar topic and highlighted the role of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the freedom movement of India with special reference to North East India. Contribution of the people of North East India and Assam has also been highlighted in his speech.

Dr. Nirmal Jyoti Konwar, Asst. Professor, Department of Histoy, N.N. Saikia College has presented the theme of the seminar and highlighted the contributions of Netaji in India’s freedom struggle. Netaji’s role as a freedom fighter and the role of INA in India’s freedom movement has been presented in the seminar by Dr. Konwar.

All the Teaching Faculty members of Nanda Nath Saikia College, members of the Office Staff and Students of the college and members of Historical Society, Titabar has attended the inaugural session. The paper presenters and participants from different places across India graced the occasion of the session. Some of the Reporters of Titabar Sub Division also attended the inaugural session of the seminar.

Keynote Speech

After the Welcome Address by the Principal the Keynote Speaker Dr. Dr. Sagar Boruah, Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon, Assam and Joint Secretary, North East India History Association (NEIHA) has delivered the Keynote Speech of the seminar. The speaker has given emphasis on the importance and relevance of the topic. Subhas Chandra Bose, who is entitled as Netaji is one of the Charismatic leader, who played a vital role of the India's struggle for freedom. Netaji’s charismatic leader ship had impacted every nook & corner of the country including N.E India. But very interestingly, no elaborate discussion about his impact on N.E India has been made. Few days back, one scholar told that mainland historians or national historians are concerned mostly the Gengetic-Valley centric. The history of the INA Movement or the Azad Hind Fauj in North-East India is not free from this indifferent treatment by the mainland scholars and regional historians as well. Dr. Baruah in his keynote speech has presented an in-depth study  on the role of Netaji as the leader of INA, contributions regarding the freedom movement and his relation with the leaders of Assam and North East has been highlighted. Contributions of the people of the region and the necessity to study on the role of Netaji have also been elaborately discussed in his thought provoking deliberations.

Speech by Invited Guest:

Dr. Surendra Kumar, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of History, University of Delhi presented the speech of Guest of Honour and Resource Person. Dr. Kumar has highlighted the relevance of Netaji’s life towards the freedom movement of the country. Liberation from a colonial state is a challenging process involving multiple voices operating at multiple levels to deconstruct and end oppressive system. Another important aspect of liberation is crafting of consciousness rooted in rights of human beings in continuity with progressive traditions. In case of India, the space was continuously shaped by diversity, dialogue, conflict and convergence. No doubt, the idea of recognizing colonial state is visible as early as 18^th century, but the shaping of consciousness for freedom involving psychological, political, social and economic can clearly dated in last decade of 19^th century. Subhash Chandra Bose is symbol of revolt by young educated people in 20^th century. Since  anti-colonial struggles cannot be controlled and dictated, the struggle of Subhash Chandra Bose represent an idea that liberation is inbuilt tendency of human beings and it cannot be demolished. From participating in Indian National Congress, working in North East India etc., to making alliances with British, Japanese and Soviet State, Subhash Chandra Bose represent undying spirit of youth committed to idea of liberation at the cost of total sacrifice. Historically, his contribution shows that liberation of human beings cannot be annihilated by colonial state and society based on rights of people is idea nurtured naturally in human beings as well as living beings. Therefore, Subhash Chandra Bose represents this idea of common man.   Dr. Kumar has also discussed about the role of the people of North East India in India’s freedom struggle and highlighted Subhas Chandra Bose’s relations with the region. The history of INA in North East India and Assam has been presented by the speaker. 

Another Invited Guest and Resource person Dr. Biswajit Baruah, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dibrugarh University has discussed about the unsung heroes of Assam. According to him the unsung heroes of the freedom movement of India should have been highlighted and thanks the ICHR (New Delhi) for sponsoring various seminars to highlight the those parts of history which were earlier not getting proper attention. It is very important to bring new facts regarding the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose who played a vital role in India’s freedom movement.

Technical Sessions (Day 1)

Academic Session I (11.00AM T0 1.30 PM)

After the end of the inaugural session the first Technical Session starts at Room No. 26 of Nanda Nath Saikia Colllege, Titabar from 11.00 am. In the first Academic session Dr. Surendra Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi was the Resource Person and this session started from 11.00 am to 1.30 pm. Dr. Biswajit Baruah, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Dibrugarh University also attended the session as special invitee. Sixteen (16) researcher/academicians had presented their research papers in this academic session. The first paper was presented by Mitali Borah, Asst. Professor, Department of History, Melamara College, Golaghat. The title of her paper was on Subhas Chandra Bose and Freedom movement of India. This paper critically examines abot the role played by Subhas Chandra Bose in the freedom movement of the country.According to her paper Netaji was an outstanding leader of the Indian freedom movement. A fearless and indomitable fighter, Subhash Bose was one of the greatest patriots of the world. He was a dynamic man of action. He was undoubtedly the most dominant figure in the struggle for India’s freedom next to Gandhi. He had taken active role for Indian freedom movements. He was elected president of Congress for two terms in 1938 and 1939.But soon he developed difference with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leader .He resigned from the Congress. Thereafter he formed Forward Block. He was convinced that India could not achieve independence without foreign assistance. When the Second World War broke out the British government put Subhash Bose under house arrest for his well known stand. However he escaped the government guards and reached Japan. He organized all the Indian prisoners of war in to Indian National Army and attacked the eastern borders of India. He hoped that as soon as he would launch an attack, the Indian’s would rise against the British. This paper makes an attempt to search Natajis contribution in the freedom movement of India.

Anindita Das, Research Scolar, Department of Tribal Studies and History of Assam University (Diphu Campus has presented her paper on the topic ‘The Forgotten Army, Azadi Ke Liye - Studying INA History through the Web Series’. According to her Study on historical events is always a strong desire to know something new. Many incidents happened during the period of the Indian freedom struggle; the Indian National Army was an armed force formed in the year of 1942 by Indian nationalists. Its also known as Azad Hind Fauj. Mohan Singh, the founder of this force later recommended Subash Chandra Bose for the leadership role. His guidance tried to revamp the force and influence more to be a model on the diversity by region, ethnicity, religion, and even gender. The Forgotten Army, is a television series where the plot for the show took from the true event on INA. The story is based on the story of Indian soldiers who marched towards the capital, with the war cry ‘Challo Dili’, to gain Indian independence from the colonial role. An attempt is being made to know the fighting to attain freedom through a cinematic view. 

Rongai Bhuyan and Utpal Bordoloi (joint paper) of Dr. Nabin Bordoloi College, Jorhat has presented their paper on the topic Subhas Chandra Bose and Manipur Connections. Subhas Chandra Bose had made relations with Manipur. The Imphal campaign including the battle of Kohima has more significance as far as the activities of INA are concerned in North East India. Moirang, in Manipur, has a special place in the Indian freedom movement. It was there during the Second World War that the soldiers of the Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, unfurled the tricolor.

Sachin Kumar, Research Scholar, Department of History of University of Delhi and Anuradha, Research Scholar of Punjab University (joint paper) has presented their paper on ‘Women Empowerment and Subhas Chandra Bose’. The issue of women empowerment is very complex during 1900 -1947. The complexity is not only due to colonial state but also due to evolving role of women in Indian subcontinent. Unlike the west, the gender relations have been evolved in a very different trajectory in Indian subcontinent. Obviously, the issue of empowerment needs to be situated beyond the frame of public vs private space. He inspired millions of Indians especially youth to act with fortitude in the face of adversity and infused in them a spirit of patriotic fervour. However, the legacy of SC Bose is unparalleled when it comes to women empowerment and gender equality. The man who supported an all India organisation for women, formed women regiment, the Jhansi regiment, to fight for India’s struggle and showed immense faith in the capability of women to understand the political struggle and to act with determination at par with men. This paper attempted to comprehensively and objectively analyse the dominant ideologies of Bose and put in perspective his views about women in contextual realities of the time.

Krishna Kalita, Asst. Professor of Namrup College and Rajib Das, Asst. Professor, Department of History of N.N. Saikia College, Titabar (joint) presented their paper on the topic ‘A study on the Polkitical Philosophy of Subhas Chandra Bose’. Though Subhas Chandra Bose acknowledged the national movement of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhibut he believed the freedom of India couldn’t be achieved only by the Gandhian ideology, so he resorted to foreign assistance was essential for winning freedom and tried his best to enlist the support of Axis powers during the Second World War. He developed an ethical approach to life based on self-sacrifice, self- abnegation and renunciation which is in a way the core of a democratic way of life. Thus he never compromised with the British imperialism. His life was almost a total dedication to the cause of the attainment of ‘swaraj’ developed a clear vision of his own-an ideology of his own-in respect of ‘Swaraj’. It is to be noted that he was not a political philosopher in the strict sense of the term but he had developed a philosophy of life and has left behind a political philosophy of his own which could be deciphered from his writings and speeches .In this paper an attempt has been made to trace the political philosophy of Subhas Chandra Bose on the spun of his quest to freedom of India from the British Colonialism.

Durlabh Bori, Assistant professor, Department of History, Melamara College, Golaghat has presented his paper on Subhas Chandra Bose and Women Empowerment. Role of women in INA of Netaji has been highlighted in this paper.

Similarly, Dr. Pradip Barman, Asst. Professor, Department of History of Rangapara College ha presented his paper on ‘an Analytical Study on the Significance of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Visit to Assam. According to Dr. Barman Assam was known to be an important province of British India and during the freedom movement, it played a vital role in the same. During the movement for liberation, the leaders of the movement like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, etc. visited Assam mainly for political purposes. Subhas Chandra Bose visited Assam first in the year 1938 and again in 1939. His first visit was for the settlement of the formation of ministry under Gopinath Bordoloi. After the election of the Legislative Assembly in 1937, Sir Syed Sadulla formed the coalition Government in Assam. But this ministry could not run for a long time and it was ultimately dissolved on 13th August 1938. In this situation, the Indian National Congress in Assam invited Sunhas Chandra Bose to visit Assam to help in the formation of the ministry under Gopinath Bordoloi. Accordingly, Subhas Chandra Bose came to Assam and by dint of his ability and discretion, the said ministry was formed. The formation of Bordoloi Ministry in Assam had far-reaching effects in the politics of Assam. Subhas Chandra Bose visited Assam in October 1939 for the second time to respond to the invitation of All Assam Progressive Youth Association.

Ranjit Bordoloi, Asst. Professor, Department of Political Science, Dhing College, Nagaon has presented his paper on ‘a Study on Socio-Cultural Democracy of Netaji Sobhas Chandra Bose’.   Faculties from various colleges, research scholars, academicians and some university students also presented research papers on various themes relating to the main theme of the seminar.

Academic Session II

The second Academic Session of the seminar started at room no. 26 of the college and Dr. Sagar Baruah, Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon (Assam) was the Chairperson of the session. This session session started from 1.30 PM to 4.30PM and total number of paper presenter for the session was 20. Research papers relating to the role of Nertaji in the freedom movement of India, formations of INA and its activities in North East India, Netaji’s relation with Assam and other parts of North East India, issue of women empowerment during freedom movement, political ideology of Subhas Chandra Bose etc. were presented in the second technical session of the seminar. The first paper presenter in this session was Debasish Das, Research Scolar, Assam University, Diphu Campus and the title of his seminar paper was on Contribution of Subash Chandra Bose towards Women Empowerment. This paper highlighted Subhas Chandra Bose’s campaigned for women's empowerment and the women's movement in liberating them from all shackles and limitations and enables them to achieve equality with men. In July 1943, in Singapore, during World War II, the nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose established the Rani Jhansi Regiment, an all-women armed wing under the command of Captain Laxmi Swaminathan as a part of Indian National Army to fight against the British India. Besides, in the early political career of his life, understanding the potentiality of women, he appealed them not to restrict themselves in just looking after their family rather he encouraged their participation in the 1920s Non-cooperation movement. The second paper in this session was presented by Miss Dimir Rongpipi, Asst. Professor, Department of Economics, Sibsagar Girls’ College, Sivasaga, Assam. The title of her paper was on role of Netaji I the freedom movement of India with special reference to North East India.

Dipankar Moha, Asst. Professor, Department of History of Nagaon Girls’ College has presented his paper on Role of Subhas Chandra Bose in the Freedom Struggle Movement in India. Emphasis was given on Netaji’s attempts to defy colonialism. He is one of those great freedom fighters, whom the nation remembers always. As far as the history of India’s independence struggle against the British is concerned Subhash Chandra Bose remains a key figure. A go-getter right from the start, Bose decided to chart his own path towards India’s independence in spite of knowing how hard it was going to be.  Maine Saikia and Abhinab Nath (Joint) presented their paper on Subhas Chandra Bose's strategy in the Indian liberation fight, with reference to his alliances with Japan and Germany. Mouchumi Borgohain, Asst. Professor of Dr. Nabin Bordoloi College and Indrasen Baro of Jhanji HNS College presented their joint paper on Subhas Chandra Bose and his contribution to Indian Freedom struggle. Biju Tamuly of Pub Majuli College has presented her paper on Netaji’s role in the freedom movement of India. Some other papers presented in this session was related to INA and women empowerment, impacts of Second World War in India’s freedom struggle etc. 

Technical Sessions (Day 2):

Academic Session III (9.30 AM T0 11.30 AM)

 The third technical session was held on 30^th March, 2022 at Room No. 26 in the Nanda Nath Saikia College premises from 10.000 am to 1.00 pm and Dr. Surendra Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi was the Chairman of the session. Total number of paper presented in this session was 15 (Fifteen) and research papers written both in English and Assamese language were presented by academicians and research scholars on different topics relating to Subhas Chandra Bose and North East India. The first paper presenter in this session was Sheron Seb Rengma and Prof. Sivasish Biswas of Assam University, Diphu Campus. This paper was presented jointly on the theme Violence on Women during the time of Partition: A Study in Bapsi Sidhwa’s Ice Candy Man and Amit Majmudar’s Partitions. The second paper was presented by Bandana Saikia, Asst. Professor of Borholla College, Jorhat. Dr. Rehna Sultana, Asst. Professor, Department of Assamese, Sibsagar Girls’ College has presented her paper on Women empowerment and Subhas Chandra Bose. Kisore Goswami, Asst. Professor of JB College, Jorhat has presented his paper on Subhas Chandra Bose, INA and its impact on Southeast Asia.

Luhit Chandra Boishya, Asst. Professor of Rangapara College presented a paper on Role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Freedom Movement of India: A Study. According to Boishy Netaji actively participated in the Non-Cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi under the banner of Indian National Congress and became the president of Bengal Congerss. During the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930’s, Netaji started revolutionary movement through a group of supporters known as Bengal Volunteers. He was associated with the founder of All India Forward Block (1939) a left wing of Indian National Congress. The formation of Indian National Army popularly known as Azad Hind Fauj by Netaji for securing independence from British rule was an important chapter in the freedom movement of India. Some other participants also presented their research papers in this session and all the papers were relating to the role played by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the freedom struggle of the country.

Academic Session IV

The fourth and the last technical session of the seminar was held in room No. 26 of  Nanda Nath Saikia College premises from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm and Dr. Sagar Baruah, Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon (Assam) has chaired the last technical session of the seminar. Mr. Budhin Dutta, Vice Principal and Head of the Department of History of N.N. Saikia College assisted Dr. Baruah in this session.  Total number of paper presented in this session was 15 (Fifteen) and research papers written mainly in both English and Assamese language were presented by academicians and research scholars on different topics relating to the main theme of the seminar. Most of the papers were related to INA and Netaji and his contributions for liberating the country from British dominions. Krishna Kachari, Asst. Professor, Department of History of Sibsagar Girls’ College was the first presenter in this session. Her paper was on Role of Subhas Chandra Bose in the Freedom Movement of India with Special Reference to Assam. She was followed by Raktimjyoti Hazarika, Asst. Professor of Jorhat College. The title of the paper was on Indian National Army (INA ) and Assam : Participation of unsung heroes in anti-colonial movements. Shipa Choudhry from S.R. College and Sanjib Chutia of Kamarbandha College also presented their paper in this session. All the papers presented in the last technical sessions has relevance and associated with the contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose and North East India.

Valedictory Session:

The valedictory session of the seminar was held at Room No. 26 of Nanda Nath Saikia College premises from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm. Dr. Sagar Baruah, Joint Secretary of North East India History Association (NEIHA) &  Rtd. Principal, Khagarijan College, Nagaon was the Chief Guest of the event. Dr. Surendra Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi has attended the Valedictory session as an invited guest. In his speech Dr. Bbaruah has highlighted the findings of the seminar and pointed out his experience in the Towo days seminar as Resource Person. Chief Guest Dr. Sagar Baruah has specialy gives thanks to Indian Council of Historical Research (New Delhi) for funding the national seminar on “Exploring the Role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Second World War and Freedom Movement of India with Special reference to North East India”. According to him under the Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav scheme Indian Government is doing various works on academic excellence in the country. Principal of Nanda Nath Saikia College Dr. Litoo Baruah presented his speech about the seminar. Vice Principal of the College Mr. Budhin Dutta, faculty members of the college and paper presenters and participants of the seminar attended the valedictory session. Dr. Rabindra Bordoloi, Convener of the seminar has anchored the valedictory session. The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Rajib Dutta of N.N. Saikia College, Titabar. Special thanks were given to ICHR (New Delhi) for sponsoring the national seminar and all the participants of the seminar for making the event a successful one. Certificates were distributed to the participants in this session and some of the participants have expressed their opinion about their experience in this seminar.