10th august,1957. Dr. Binoy Kumar Verma, famous surgeon of Calcutta Medical College, took VRS from his services of nearly a decade. His colleagues arranged a small function in his honor. In midst of everyone present in the hall, Dr.Verma was absentminded. The function took long, more than he expected. Several of his colleagues and students gave their speech. For his untiring service to this prestigious college for 10 years, he have achieved reputation and respect from medical fraternity. They garlanded him and handed him a memento . He was presented with lots of flower bouquets and gifts. They admired him for his service and spoke about his glorious medical career. But what many of his associates and colleagues still don’t know is about his past career. He had served Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA as a military surgeon and he was a close associate of Netaji himself. In the year of 1945 when the INA surrendered, he wasn’t among the captive soldiers. He fled in disguise beforehand and came to Calcutta. Nobody knows where he was in those two years before Independence.
Dr. Verma’s wife died last year making him all alone. They had no children. When Dr.Verma returned to his Alipore apartment after the function, he went straight to his study room. He didn’t light the lamp. Everything in this room have become so familiar to him, that he located the sofa in midst of darkness too. He was so tired, that he sank himself in his sofa and lit his pipe. He closed his eyes.The circling smoke of the pipe and the darkness of the study room made his mind busy with his memories of his past.The same query that had been evoked in his mind since 1947 rose again—what happened to Netaji? Why didn’t he return? Another Independence day was coming shortly.
“It’s been almost 10 years since our freedom. He should have returned in this period”, Dr. Verma thought.
The news about his death in the plane crash at Taiwan is just a rumor- Dr. Verma knew it wholeheartedly. He still remembers his last conversation with his beloved leader, Netaji…..
“ Verma, our ration and ammunition supply has been cut off. And the monsoon is also troubling us a lot.It seems that we are trapped. Soldiers will have to surrender soon. This battle may be lost but the war continues.I think going to Russia will help our cause. Their government follow communism. They surely will be paring ways with fundamentalist British Government in near future.” Netaji said hopefully.
Dr. Verma had joined this army from Japan, along with other Indians who wanted help Netaji . He had never seen a person of so much positivity, determination, patriotism and hopes. In the situation of so much adversity in the war only he could plan of a future attempt to make INDIA free. He didn’t fear death or of failure. His indomitable spirit would rise again and again until he fulfill his dream—independent INDIA.
Dr.Verma replied,” But Netaji ,Russia is in ties with British government. Why will they help us? And going to Russia in the Japanese plane will surely be of grave risks.”
Netaji smiled,” Don’t worry Dr.Verma. I have made arrangements to find help. I have to wait till the world war is settled. Soon after the war, suffering from high casualties and financial-political doldrums England will be at their vulnerable . Then I will begin my mission again and this time I will not fail. The whole country will join us. We will have `SWARAJ’. “
“ But what about the airplane? You need a safe passage to Russia. I can’t see Japanese plane as a safe medium for that.” Dr. Verma argued worriedly.
Netaji answered, his eyes glittering with bright hopes and inner wisdom ,” The plane will be a diversion, Verma. I will never board the plane. An alternative path to Russia is already been selected. Arrangements have been made correctly.”
Dr. Verma became surprised with such a clever plan of his. He was too hopeful that Netaji would succeed.
”Its time to leave, Dr.Verma. You truly have been of great service in our INA. Now, have a disguise and take shelter in Calcutta. Await my return, comrade. Our mother nation will be released from her chains soon.”Netaji continued.
Dr.Verma did a military salute to his ideal legendary leader and shook hands with him. Netaji boarded in the jeep that was awaiting him.The journey continued and took a new turn.
“Farewell comrade. We will meet soon.” That was the last thing that he had spoken to Dr.Verma.
When Dr.Verma heard the news of Netaji’s death in the plane crash he hadn’t panicked like the whole country ‘cause he knew the real plan. He waited for Netaji’s return and he still is. India is now independent, his dream had come into reality. But the question remained- why was he taking so long to return? The country still needs a visionary leader like him to lead her to glory.
The vision of his memory faded with the spreading smoke. Dr. Verma heaved a long sigh. But he was still hopeful. May be in this coming Independence Day, Netaji would surprise INDIA by returning to his country. May be the secret and mystery that shaded the truth would be unfolded soon..
