Abid Hasan Safrani: Netaji's Comrade and the Man Behind "Jai Hind"
By Grace Mubashir, New
Age Islam
29 July
2024
Abid Hasan Safrani’s
Life Is a Testament to The Power of Dedication and Patriotism. From His Early
Days in Hyderabad to His Pivotal Role in The INA and Later as A Diplomat, His
Contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle and Nation-Building Are Invaluable.
His Creation of the Slogan "Jai Hind" Serves as A Lasting Tribute to
His Vision of a Unified and Independent India.
-----
Abid
Hasan Safrani
------
Early Life and Education
Abid Hasan
Safrani, originally named Zain-al-Abdin Hasan, was born in 1911 in Hyderabad.
His early life was marked by a strong academic background and a keen interest
in the nationalist movements sweeping across India during British colonial
rule. Hasan pursued higher education in Germany, where he studied engineering
at the Technical University of Dresden. This period in Europe exposed him to
various political ideologies and revolutionary movements, setting the stage for
his later involvement in the Indian independence struggle.
Meeting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
In the
early 1940s, Hasan's life took a decisive turn when he met Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose in Germany. Bose, a prominent leader in the Indian independence
movement, was actively seeking international support to overthrow British rule
in India. Hasan was deeply inspired by Bose's vision and commitment, leading
him to join the Indian National Army (INA), which Bose was organizing with the
help of Indian expatriates and prisoners of war.
Role in the Indian National Army
As a
dedicated member of the INA, Hasan served as an aide-de-camp to Netaji and was
instrumental in various military and organizational activities. His proficiency
in multiple languages, including German and Japanese, proved invaluable in the
INA's efforts to coordinate with the Axis powers. Hasan's responsibilities
included translation, intelligence gathering, and liaising with Japanese
officials to secure support for the INA's military campaigns.
Coining "Jai Hind"
One of
Hasan's most enduring contributions to India's independence struggle was the
coining of the slogan "Jai Hind," which translates to "Victory
to India." This phrase was intended to serve as a unifying call for Indian
soldiers and civilians alike, transcending linguistic, regional, and religious
differences. The slogan quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with
the INA's efforts and the broader independence movement.
As a senior
officer in the INA, Abid Hasan was deeply involved in the military campaigns in
Burma (now Myanmar) and other regions. He led troops in battle, demonstrating
exceptional leadership and bravery. His efforts were part of the broader
strategy to liberate India from British colonial rule by collaborating with
Axis powers during World War II.
Following
the defeat of the INA, Abid Hasan was captured by the British forces and
imprisoned. He endured harsh conditions and faced trial for treason during the
famous Red Fort Trials in 1945. His mother, Begum Amir Hasan, played a crucial
role in securing his release by appealing to senior Congress leaders, including
Jawaharlal Nehru
Post-Independence Career
After
India's independence in 1947, Hasan transitioned from his revolutionary
activities to a career in diplomacy. He joined the Indian Foreign Service and
served in various capacities, including as an ambassador to Egypt and a consul
general in San Francisco. Hasan's diplomatic career was marked by his
commitment to fostering positive relations between India and other nations, reflecting
the ideals of unity and independence that he had championed during the freedom
struggle.
Legacy and Recognition
Abid Hasan
Safrani's contributions to India's independence and his subsequent diplomatic
service have been recognized and celebrated in various ways. He received
posthumous honours for his role in the freedom movement, and his life story
continues to inspire new generations of Indians. The slogan "Jai
Hind" remains a powerful symbol of national pride and unity, underscoring
Hasan's lasting impact on the country's collective consciousness.
In recent
years, efforts have been made to document and commemorate Hasan's contributions
more thoroughly. Books, articles, and documentaries have highlighted his role
in the INA and his close association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. These
efforts ensure that Hasan's legacy as a patriot and a diplomat is remembered and
appreciated by future generations.
Conclusion
Abid Hasan
Safrani's life is a testament to the power of dedication and patriotism. From
his early years in Hyderabad to his involvement in the INA and his diplomatic
career, Hasan exemplified the spirit of India's struggle for freedom and its
aspirations as an independent nation. His enduring legacy, particularly the
iconic slogan "Jai Hind," continues to resonate with Indians today,
serving as a reminder of the sacrifices and efforts that paved the way for the
country's independence.
-----
A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar
in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/safrani-netaji-comrade-jai-hind/d/132812
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism