Controversy surrounding the comments made by Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi on the factors leading to India's independence
Mr. Ravi has been reported as saying that the Quit India movement made little impact on the British decision to leave India.
Instead, it was insecurity felt by the British at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose forming the Azad Hind Government and its army (INA) and in 1946 by the Naval Mutiny and the Air Force Rebellion.
Apparently, Mr. Ravi formed this view from his reading of IB files of the relevant period.
He has also cited a conversation between British Prime Minister Clement Attlee and an acting Governor of Bengal in which Mr. Attlee said that
the impact of ‘non-cooperation’ was minimal but that the British left because they felt ‘insecure’ after the ‘Naval Revolt and the Air Force Rebellion’.
Governor Ravi's opinion - Criticism of his view
Under criticism for his assertions and views, Mr. Ravi clarified that he had the ‘highest respect’ for Mahatma Gandhi.
At the same time, he reiterated his views on the departure of the British from India.
There is no doubt that the loyalty of Indian soldiers in the British Indian armed forces was a principal pillar of their rule in India.
If not for the Indian soldiers who served in the armies of the East India Company.
The British could not have conquered India.
Most historians of the national movement also acknowledge that the INA and the naval mutiny shook British confidence in the loyalty of the Indian members of their army in India.
And, obviously, after the Second World War, circumstances created by the national movement.
Britain’s economic weakening and the international situation simply did not permit them to even think of undertaking armed action to retain their rule in India.
Mr. Ravi was right in praising Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s great contribution in achieving Independence.
This is almost universally acknowledged.
Despite the great ideological differences in leaders of the freedom movement none of them ever denigrated Netaji or the INA.
Had that been so, would it have been possible for so many of the lawyers among them to come together to defend the three officers — Prem Kumar Sehgal, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Shah Nawaz Khan.
The great lawyer, Bhulabhai Desai, led the defence which included Tej Bahadur Sapru, Jawaharlal Nehru and Kailas Nath Katju.
This writer would be forgiven for making a personal reference.
As Katju’s grandson and Sapru’s great-grandson, he knows full well the enormous admiration that Netaji evoked in them.
Importance of a comprehensive and balanced understanding of India's independence struggle
It helps us to understand the history and culture of India.
The independence struggle was a defining moment in India's history, and it had a profound
impact on the country's culture, politics, and society.
By understanding the struggle, we can better understand contemporary India.
It helps us to understand the challenges and opportunities that India faces today.
The legacy of the independence struggle continues to shape India in many ways.
Understanding the challenges that the freedom fighters faced can help us to understand the challenges that India faces today, such as poverty, inequality, and religious conflict.
Understanding the strategies and successes of the independence movement can also provide insights into how to address these challenges.
It helps us to appreciate the diversity of India.
The independence struggle was a pan-Indian movement that involved people from all walks of life, religions, and regions.
By understanding the different perspectives and contributions of these diverse groups, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Indian society.
It helps us to promote tolerance and understanding.
The independence struggle was a fight for freedom and justice.
By understanding the struggle, we can learn from the values of tolerance, mutual respect, and non-violence that were espoused by many of the freedom fighters.
These values are important for promoting peace and understanding in today's world.
In order to gain a comprehensive and balanced understanding of India's independence struggle.
It is important to consult a variety of sources, including academic studies, biographies, primary sources, and fictional works.
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