The War Diary of Asha-san : From Tokyo to Netaji's Indian National Army & Khalistan Conspiracy: A Former R&AW Officer Unravels the Path to 1984 Product Bundle

This is a special book. In many ways it is a coming of age story Asha-san – her journey from a teenager to a soldier; an idealist who comes to terms with the harsh realities of life.Anand Mohan Sahay and Sati Sahay were actively involved in the freedom struggle in in India and continued to do so after they shifted to Japan. Close to Netaji Subhash Chand Bose, they gave their unstinted support for the Indian National Army (INA) and even undertook dangerous missions. They were doting but stern parents. Even though their children were born and brought up in Japan they imbued them with the fervor of patriotism. Asha was their eldest child.The diary covers four years of Asha-san’s teenage. During the years 1943 – 1945 she spent most of her time in Kobe with her mother and sister. It was wartime and life was tough - “But what kind of diary is this, forever filled with war, hunger, doubt and despair?” “Hunger gnaws at us, but there is nothing to eat.” The air raids, bombings and the long absences of her father with no information further added to their challenges. Yet the despondency was only fleeting. “ Our stomachs are empty but are hearts are filled with enthusiasm.”1945 was a turning point for Asha-san in more ways than one. In February, Netaji agreed to enlist her in the army. She got the opportunity she had been waiting for the last two years. One can only admire her mother Sati Sahay’s patriotism “ .. I have already handed over your father and uncle to Mother India. Now you are no longer my daughter, but India’s daughter..: After a perilous journey of three months Asha-san and her father reached Bangkok where the Rani Jhansi Regiment was stationed. The diary entries of this period give detailed description of their journey and the travails of the cadets in the camp.August 1945 was a fateful month. Asha-san reminiscences -” In August 1945, I was a newly commissioned lieutenant in the Rani Jhansi Regiment of the Indian National Army. I was anxious and eager to reach the frontline, …but it was not in my fate to look the enemy in the eye…. My rifle did not fire any bullets, my bayonet did not slash the arteries of any enemies. An entire organization- a structure that Netaji, Papa and countless other brave patriots had built over the years- fell apart in a matter of weeks. First, with the atom bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Then the Japanese surrender, Then the death of Netaji. My war ended before it began.”Asha-san had no idea of the fate of her father or her mother and siblings in the aftermath. She lived with a family friend till she was reunited with her father in 1946 in Singapore and later returned with him to India. She describes how she travelled with him and participated in rallies in India. She met eminent leaders of the freedom movement – Gandhiji, Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Sarojini Naidu and Aruna Asaf Ali. The Sahay family was finally reunited in India in 1947.Ironically, Asha-san experienced a cultural shock in the homeland that she so fervently dreamt of freeing. ‘In my dreams, I had tasted the moist earth of India and now I walked on her soil. But not freely. India was not free, and I gradually realized I too, was shackled by a new set of customs and superstitions. The deeper we entered India, the more rigid the rules became.”Realism tempers her idealism - “ I felt like I was living a dual life – sometimes a quiet Japanese bookworm, and at other times a headstrong Indian patriot Somewhere and no where in between...”Asha-san’s candidness, honesty, optimism and energy combined with a her fine writing style make the diary a compelling read. She is perceptive and is able to portray the idealism and the commitment of the freedom fighters, Netaji’s charm and magnetism, the resolute commitment of her parents through her writing. It is inspiring to see how despite differences the leaders respected each other. One also gets first hand descriptions of the Japanese way of life, their traditions of honour – the Kamikaze pilot squadron’s death attacks, the hara kiri acts after the war. The diary is an important addition to the freedom struggle literature.This diary was originally written in Japanese. Later Asha-san with the help of her father translated it in Hindi. Appreciation is due to the translator whose efforts have made it possible to access this beautiful book to a wider audience which it deserves.It was a pleasure to hear Asha-san’s interview given not long ago. Even at this age she had clear memories of the events more than seven decades ago.

Get a fresh insight into India’s pre-independence history and the role of Netaji’s Indian National Army with “The War Diary of Asha-San” by Lt Bharati “Asha” Sahay Choudhry, translated by Tanvi Srivastava and published by Harper Collins in 2022.The book is laid out in three parts over 291 pages including approximately 100 pages of helpful additional explanatory notes, character sketches, photographs and supplementary information. The laborious tasks of translating and chronological coherence have been done painstakingly by the translator, while clarifying variations from and maintaining the sanctity of the Hindi version.The war diary, in itself makes one marvel at the patriotism existing in the family and the motivation towards the freedom struggle. The book also offers interesting insights into the Japanese way of life and their cultural practices. Of particular interest is the ethos of a soldier that is imbibed so well by Lt Asha-San and multiple manifestations of this are evident throughout the diary. Numerous philosophical musings in the diary such as “the state of war means being fine and not fine at the same time” would appeal to the reader. The diary is a fine read of “stories woven together with threads of hope and despair”. The description of the warrior code and rituals of Japanese soldiers is an aspect that resonated with the soldier in me. The description of the stoic acceptance of impending death by the Kamikaze pilots is amazingly portrayed in the diary. The turn of events precluded the author’s exposure to active combat; however, this does not in any way undermine the moving story of the turbulent times and strife covered in the war diary.This War Diary as a first-hand account is a brilliant memoir which vividly portrays the role of women in our freedom struggle. It also provides valuable insights into the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as seen by an impressionable young mind.This book, brings to life portions of our history that we would do well to know more about.

This is the diary of Asha, an Indian immigrant in Japan who is inspired by netaji to join the INA and travels to the front lines of the war before returning to India. The story told by the freedom fighter is compelling, and the translation is just right. What also shines through is how Asha reconciles both her life in Japan and her Indian heritage. It is the perfect amalgamation of what a role model stands for. This book is a must read for everyone so that they can understand the sacrifices and struggles of the people who fought for independence. Asha San is a war veteran beyond description. It is a matter of honour to be able to hear her story in her voice

An inspiring tale of a brave woman at a time when feminism hadn't fully developed as a concept. Asha san's encounters with Netaji and her inimitable courage in creating her own history makes for a fabulous read. Unbelievably amazing novel.

I heard about this book from an interview between the Japanese youtube Mayo in Japan and Asha, where Mayo asked Asha about her life and recommended this book for further reading. Thank you Mayo!It is a shame how little is taught in schools on the contribution of Azad Hind Fauj and specifically, the role of the Jhansi regiment. This intentional erasure of history is deplorable. The diary and notes recorded by Asha tell a story of the close relationship between India and Japan. Another person mentioned in this context who us often not referred to is Rash Bihari Bose. Truly astounding on how little we know when we don't truly know.Highly recommend this book to all the young women and girls. A great gift for birthdays or graduations!