Kuala Lumpur, February 9: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Jayaraj Raja Rao, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), during his visit to Malaysia. Rao reminisced about their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, praising Modi for enhancing India’s standing in various sectors.
During his two-day official visit to Malaysia, Modi engaged with INA veterans, emphasizing the historical significance of the army and its enduring legacy among Indians in Southeast Asia.
Rao described his conversation with Modi as highly inspiring. In a special interview, he expressed, “As an emotional person, I feel very fortunate to have met another great Prime Minister of India. I believe PM Modi is a passionate and caring individual. He has done much for India’s villages, building toilets, establishing water systems, and ensuring their maintenance. He has also strengthened the economy.”
He added, “Modi has maintained equality by treating all communities—Muslims, Hindus, Christians—equally, without granting special rights to any one group. He has remained strong against Pakistan. India is economically growing, maintaining neutrality, and wisely distancing itself from exploitative nations, especially the U.S., which I consider aggressive and imperialistic. Therefore, I want to congratulate him and quietly express my gratitude. I feel lucky to have met such a great person.”
Rao recalled a moment from his youth when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose adorned him with a garland, noting Modi’s admiration for Bose. “Netaji was truly a great man,” he remarked.
He told Modi, “I was very happy to meet someone who met Netaji at such a young age. I clearly stated that I am an Indian Malaysian, not a Malaysian Indian. I proudly consider myself Indian first. I congratulated him on how he has managed to unite so many ethnic Indians in a democratic country; it is a remarkable achievement.”
Reflecting on his memories of Bose, Rao highlighted three key aspects of the leader’s personality and leadership that left a lasting impression on him.
“First, his eloquence, charismatic personality, and energy united all Indians. Before him, during both Japanese and British times, people identified as Tamils, Malayalis, Telugus, Jaffna, etc. Netaji introduced the idea that to free India from colonialism, we must first identify as Indians. This was the first profound impact on me.”
He continued, “Second, he emphasized the need for aggression, military action, and revolutionary efforts to liberate India from the British. This was very different from Gandhi’s concept of non-violence, which Nehru also opposed at the time. Netaji led this movement with firm conviction.”
Rao also noted, “Third, he firmly believed in equality between men and women. He promoted women’s active participation and even established the Jhansi Rani Regiment in Malaysia. I draw inspiration from him in many ways.”
The INA veteran expressed concern that the contributions of the Indian National Army are not well understood or recognized, both in India and among expatriates.
“It is unfortunate that many people in India or our country (Malaysia) do not fully comprehend the significant contributions of the Indian National Army to India’s independence. They not only helped organize resistance but also marched towards Jammu to liberate India. Very few know about their sacrifices. I may not recall all the details now, but I know they were great soldiers.”
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose took command of the Indian National Army in 1943, revitalizing the force after arriving in the region from Germany.
From his base in Singapore and Malaya, now known as Malaysia, he reorganized and expanded the INA by gathering Indian civilians and prisoners of war captured during World War II. On October 21, 1943, he also established the Provisional Government of Free India, which played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle.
The historical significance of the INA is closely tied to the Indian community residing in present-day Malaysia and Singapore, as the force was largely organized and formed in these regions. Initially, it consisted of war prisoners, but many ordinary Indians in Southeast Asia volunteered in large numbers to strengthen the movement. The INA included the Jhansi Rani Regiment, a complete women’s unit formed by Indian women living in Southeast Asia.
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