Revisiting Captain Mohan Singh

The Unforgettable Hero of Punjab

सार

This paper examines the life and contributions of Captain Mohan Singh, a key figure in India’s independence movement, focusing on two phases: before and after 1947. The first part highlights Singh’s pivotal role during World War II, when he organized the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule. Serving as a captain in the 1/14 Punjab Regiment of the British Indian Army, Singh’s military career changed dramatically after he and his battalion were captured by the Japanese during the fall of Malaya in 1941. In collaboration with Major Fujiwara of the Japanese Army and leaders like Giani Pritam Singh, Singh founded the INA to mobilize Indian soldiers and civilians in Southeast Asia for India's independence. His leadership helped recruit thousands of Indian volunteers, including many Sikh youths from Malaya, Japan, and other regions. Although Singh faced internal challenges and disagreements with the Japanese, his early efforts paved the way for Subhas Chandra Bose’s later leadership of the INA. The second part of the paper explores Captain Mohan Singh's life after India's independence. Returning to India, he became involved in politics, joining the Indian National Congress and serving as a parliamentarian. Although his political career did not match his military prominence, his role as a pioneer of the INA remained significant. The paper also tries to depict his character or his literary contribution.