Singapore declares Padang, a site associated with Subhash Chandra Bose, as its 75th National Monument
On 09 August, 2022, Singapore has declared Padang, a site associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as the 75th national monument. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose from Padang gave the slogan 'Delhi Chalo' in July 1943. Singapore celebrated its 57th National Day on 9 August 2022.
The National Heritage Board of Singapore said in a release that due to its strong national, historical and social significance, Padang will be accorded the highest level of protection under the Preservation of Monuments Act. Padang has special significance for the Indian community living in Singapore. Here the Indian soldiers had established their first camp.
From this place, Netaji addressed thousands of soldiers of the Azad Hinde Fauj several times. After the war, Netaji established the Azad Hind Fauj memorial site in the south of Padang. Subhas Chandra Bose came to East Asia on June 13, 1943, at the invitation of Rash Behari Bose. He was given the post of President of the Indian Independence League and the command of the Indian National Army (INA), popularly known as the 'Azad Hind Fauj'.
The INA was first formed by Mohan Singh and Japanese Major Iwaichi Fujiwara, consisting of soldiers from the Malay (present-day Malaysia) campaign and soldiers captured from British-Indian forces by Japan in Singapore.