ln the interest
of the Indian Independence Movement and of the Azad Hind Fauj, I have taken
over the direct command of our Army from this day.
This is for
me a matter of joy and pride, because for an Indian there can be no greater
honour than to be Commander of India's Army of Liberation. But I am conscious
of the magnitude of the task that I have undertaken and I am weighed down
with a sense of responsibility. I pray that God may give me the necessary
strength to fulfil my duty to Indians, under all circumstances, however
difficult or trying they may be.
I regard myself
as the servant of the 38 crores of my countrymen, who profess different
religious faiths. I am determined to discharge my duties in such a manner
that the interests of these 38 crores may be safe in my hands and every
single Indian will have reason to put complete faith in me. It is only
on the basis of undiluted nationalism and perfect justice and impartiality
that India's Army of Liberation can be built up.
In the coming
struggle or the emancipation of our motherland, for the establishment of
a Government of Free India based on the goodwill of 38 crores of Indians
and for the creation of a permanent army which will guarantee Indian independence
for all times, the Azad Hind Fauj has a vital role to play. To fulfil this
role we must weld ourselves into an army that will have only one goal,
namely the freedom of Indians, and only one will, namely to do or die in
the cause of India's freedorn. When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauj has to
be like a wall of granite ; when we march, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be
like a steamroller.
Our task is
not an easy one ; the war will be long and hard, but I have complete faith
in thc justice and invincibility of our cause. Thirty-eight crores of human
beings, who form about one-fifth of the human race, have a right to be
free and they are now ready to pay the price of freedom. There is consequently
no power on earth that can deprive us of our birthright of liberty any
longer.
Comrades, ofiicers
and men ! With your unstinted support and unflinching loyalty, the Azad
Hind Fauj will become the instrurnent of India's liberation. Ultimately
victory will certainly be ours, I assure you.
With the slogan
'Onward to Delhi' on our lips, let us continue to fight till our National
Flag flies over the Viceroy's House in New Delhi, and the Azad Hind Fauj
holds its victory parade inside the ancient Red Fortress of the Indian
metropolis.
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