Declaring its Formation

On 21 October 1943, Bose announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India), with himself as the Head of State, Prime Minister and Minister of War.

The Provisional Government not only enabled Bose to negotiate with the Japanese on an equal footing but also facilitated the mobilisation of Indians in East Asia to join and support the INA. Soon after the announcement, the Provisional Government received recognition from various countries.

Bose announcing the Proclamation of the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind at Cathay Building, 21 October 1943.

Cabinet members of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, 1943: 1st Row (L to R): Lt Col Chatterjee, Lt Col J K Bhonsle, Dr Lakshmi, Chandra Bose, A M Sahay and S A Ayer. 2nd Row (L to R): Lt Col Gulzara Singh, Lt Col Shah Nawaz Khan, Lt Col Aziz Ahmed, Lt Col M Z Kiani, Lt Col N S Bhagat, Lt Col Ehsan Qadir, Lt Col Loganathan.

“Total Mobilisation”

“Time has come for three million Indians living in East Asia to mobilise all their available resources including money and manpower. Half-hearted measures will not do. …Out of this total mobilisation I expect at least three hundred thousand soldiers and three crores that is thirty million dollars.”

Subhas Chandra Bose speaking at the Padang on 9 July 1943.

With the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, mobilisation of the Indian communities for armed struggle was stepped up. Many Indian civilians from Malaya, Thailand and Burma responded enthusiastically. Others contributed money and gold generously to the INA Fund. The gold came mostly from women who readily gave up their jewellery while wealthy Indian families donated large sums of money after attending Bose’s rallies and meetings. Other forms of contributions included clothing, foodstuffs and other supplies that the INA could use.

By April 1944, the Azad Hind Bank was established in Rangoon to manage the overwhelming donations from the Indian communities.

On 5 August 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose addressed the INA soldiers at the Padang. He questioned if they felt “Jai Hind” and “Chalo Dhili” as part of them as the slogans were part of himself. The response of the soldiers was overwhelming and electrifying.	Military inspection of the INA, 1943.