Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Not a deserter

Sir, — This refers to the letters (June 24) on Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal. The Indian National Army heroes in the Red Fort trial were Shah Nawaz Khan, P.K. Sahgal and G.S. Dhillon. Dr. Sahgal was not one of them. Unlike some of her INA comrades, she is not legally a deserter, for she never swore allegiance to the British. The INA was the only army she was involved with. Though the INA collaborated with the Axis powers, there never was any convergence of views between the Nazis and Netaji. Asked how he could fight alongside the Nazis, Netaji said, "It is dreadful, but it must be done. It is our only way out. India must gain her independence, cost what it may. Have you any idea, ... of the despair, the misery, the humiliation of India? Can you imagine her suffering and indignation? British imperialism there can be just as intolerable as your Nazism here."

The consequences of an Axis victory are debatable, but let that not blind us to the sacrifices of the INA. There is no need for Dr. Sahgal, or any other member of the INA, to "repent" for their past deeds.

Ra Ravishankar,

Illinois, U.S.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• The politics of hatred
• The unprotected toilers
• Politics after Gujarat
• Challenges before Kalam
• Checking infiltration
• Not a deserter
• Wrong spokesperson
• Unfair criticism
• Irrelevant reference
• Kalam should be firm
• What about Pearl?
• Dismal performance
• A rude shock

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu