Unsung Heroes | History Corner | Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India

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Paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters

Ram Dulare

South Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

August 05, 2022

Ram Dulare alias Hiru, son of Mohan was born in 1920. He lived in Lilly Pur of Port Blair.

During the Second World War in March 1942, the Japanese landed at different spots on the Andaman Islands. They forthwith occupied the entire Andaman Islands. The prominent residents were the key persons to initially constitute the Andaman branch of the Indian Independence League in April 1942 following the path of Rash Behari Bose. In June 1942 the Indian National Army (INA) was also formed in the Andaman joined by the prominent residents of the islands. Ram Dulare was among them to join the INA. He took an active part in various activities of the INA.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose arrived in the Andaman Islands on 29 December 1943. He received a Guard of Honor in the form of a parade by the Indian National Army (INA) members at the Lamba Line airport on his arrival. The next day, on 30 December at Gymkhana Ground of Port Blair he hoisted the Indian flag for the first time in the history of India’s freedom struggle. On this day too, the Indian National Army (INA) members presented Parade in respect of him. Netaji left Andaman on 31 December 1943. Ram Dulare and other Indian National Army (INA) and IIL members were actively involved in functions of the Indian National Army (INA) during the stay of Netaji.

Netaji sent Major General Arcot Doraiswamy Loganadan to Andaman. He arrived on 18 February 1944 in the Andamans as Chief Commissioner of Azad Hind Government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands appointed by Netaji. He was accompanied by his staff consisting of Major Mansoor Ali Alvi, Lieutenant Mohammed Iqbal, Lt. Suba Singh, and steno-typist Mr. Srinivasa Shastri. They started functions of the Azad Hind Government to carry out civil administration in the islands.

In August 1944, he was arrested by the Japanese forces along with other Indian National Army (INA) members and incarcerated in Cellular Jail where he faced continuous trial and brutal torture. He was forced to confess that he was a British Spy. He was released after three months of trial and torture in November 1944.

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