Mysuru:  A documentary on Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) and the freedom fighters’ sacrifice for the nation and the South-East Asian brave soldiers who had participated  in the freedom struggle recalling them even at old age, unfolded at the Junior B.A. Hall of Maharaja’s College here.

Senior Journalist and Researcher Choodie Shivaram, who has conceived, researched and directed the special documentary ‘At the Altar of India’s Freedom-INA Veterans of ‘Malaysia’’ produced by Indian High Commission, Malaysia, was screened here on Wednesday last.

The nearly 20-minute documentary clearly captured the valour of Subhas Chandra Bose and the other war veterans of South-East Asia. The special documentary and lecture was organised by Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) in association with National Cadet Corps (NCC), Maharaja’s College.

The remarkable young women of INA formed the ‘Rani of Jhansi Regiment’ which was the first all-woman combat regiment in the world. Trained to be equal in all respects to their male counterparts, this historic Unit served with valour and distinction in the most brutal war of the modern age. Even to this day, these INA veterans who are now nonagenarians, continue to live by the lofty ideals of Netaji, is what is depicted in the documentary.  

Major General S.G.Vombatkere (Retd.), who inaugurated the programme, said that the soldiers do not hate the enemy. Instead they are ready to kill for the sake of the country.

“Our army is not confined to Hindu, Muslim, Christian or any one religion. The only interest is the unity of the country. Since each one’s interest is different, I cannot ask everyone to join the armed forces. The life of an army man is very tough. However, those who are interested to serve the nation can join the forces,” he encouraged.

Choodie Shivaram delivered a lecture on the occasion. Maharaja’s College Principal Prof. C.P. Sunitha, NCC Officer Lt.Dr. Diwakar Chandy, IQAC Coordinator Dr. Lancy D’Souza, Co-cordinator Dr. Rohitha Eswar and others were present.