New Delhi: Anita Bose Pfaff, daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has made a heartfelt appeal to the Union government to bring back her father’s mortal remains from Tokyo, Japan, where they have been kept in Renkoji Temple for decades. This demand comes on the eve of Bose’s 128th birth anniversary, which is celebrated as Parakram Diwas on January 23.
In a press statement, Pfaff emphasised that many Indians still revere Bose as a national hero and remember his sacrifices for the country’s independence. She pointed out that despite the Japanese government and the priests of Renkoji Temple being willing to return Bose’s remains, successive Indian governments have hesitated or refused to take this step.
“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 wrote.
She added, “For decades most Indian governments hesitated – or refused – to welcome his mortal remains back home. The priests of Renkoji Temple and theJapanese government were ready, willing and eager to let his remains return to his motherland.”
The hesitation, according to Pfaff, may have been due to the hope that Bose had 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.
“Do not keep Netaji exiled any longer! Allow him to return home. Many compatriots still remember him, honour him and love him even to this day,” Pfaff mentioned.
Parakram Diwas, which was declared by the Union government in 2021, is a tribute to Bose’s courage, leadership, and dedication to India’s independence. The day is marked by various events, including seminars, cultural programmes, and tributes to Bose’s life and legacy.
