Saluting Lt. Asha San Choudhry: The mother who fought for India’s freedom
SANJAY CHOUDHRY t is perhaps the most difficult thing to write about—the passing of one’s mother. Mine was not only a…
SANJAY CHOUDHRY
t is perhaps the most difficult thing to write about—the passing of one’s mother. Mine was not only a beloved parent but also a heroine of our freedom struggle, who lived life entirely on her own terms and carried her mission of service to the nation through an extraordinary 97 years.
I feel compelled to share her remarkable life story—a story of courage, patriotism, and an unshakable dream of India, instilled in her by her parents, Anand Mohan and Sati Sahay.
From Tokyo to the Battlefields
Born in Japan in 1928, she met Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Tokyo and insisted on joining the fight for India’s independence. She became part of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment—the world’s only all-women combat force—trained as a lieutenant, and led her platoon through the jungles of Thailand and Burma.
She endured strafing from Allied aircraft, the relentless fire of machine guns, and the heartbreaking loss of her fellow soldiers. She often said she wished she could have given her life for Mother India.
Witness to Sacrifice and Struggle
Eventually taken prisoner by Allied forces, she returned to India with her father and uncle after their release, determined to tell the people about the Indian National Army’s heroic campaign under Netaji—a campaign in which 25,000 of its 60,000 soldiers were martyred.
She and many other young women broke the chains of gender, caste, and religious divisions, standing as symbols of Indian women’s strength in the fight against colonial oppression.
Service Beyond the Battlefield
On her return, she joined the Seva Dal, training female volunteers to be ready to defend the nation if the need arose. She also raised a family—of which I was the youngest member—and inspired my elder brother, the late Capt Dr Praveer Choudhry.
Her wartime diary became the book Asha San ki Subhash Diary (War Diary of Asha San), a message to India’s youth about the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today.
A Patriot’s Principles
Neither she nor her parents ever sought recognition for their patriotism; they were simply content to see India free. Yet that victory was bittersweet—they mourned the Partition and refused to attend the Independence Day celebrations on 15 August 1947.
She often repeated Netaji’s words:
“Freedom is certain, but to keep India free—and to build a nation that is self-reliant, just, and prosperous—will be the real challenge.”
Farewell to a Heroine
I consider it my good fortune that I could care for her in her final years. She fell gravely ill in early August and passed away peacefully at our Patna home, surrounded by family.
I am deeply moved by the condolences I have received from all who knew her, especially from Dr Anita Bose Pfaff (Netaji’s daughter) and Mr Ono Keiichi, the current Japanese Ambassador to India. I thank everyone who has shared her story with the youth of our nation.
Though I grieve, I am proud to celebrate her extraordinary life—one that will forever be a source of inspiration.
(Sanjay Choudhry is a Social entrepreneur & Consultant for Public Affairs & Comms- ex @ Tata Steel/Coca Cola/ Vedanta/ ASG)
