Krishna Bahadur Sunuwar A legendary soldier of Azad Hind Fauz

The immense popularity of  Subash Chandra Bose during the climax of India’s freedom struggle against the mighty imperial forces of the Great Britain owe much of its credit to the overwhelming allegiance and sacrifices of its valorous Freedom Fighters. As such, there is an simple evidence to show the exemplary conducts demonstrated by some fo the Indian Gorkhas at part with other great Indian patriots. In fact, the actual profundity of India’s Independence history cannot be measured without knowing the names of its makers even if in a brief manner and style.

In view of above mentioned background most fortunately, we have one such glorious figure among us, and who is none other than our brave soldier, Krishna Bahadur Sunuwar [Mukhia], who was born to Ravilal and Savitri Sunuwar on the 21st of February, 1925 at Bannockburn Tea Estate of Darjeeling. Sunuwar was fond of driving since his early days and kept driving for some more time. First around that time the Second World War was making its devastating impact felt all over the world; and India was no more exception to the call of grim reality. The gravity of the situation demanded huge manpower in the war fronts. The young energetic Sunuwar also made a decisive decision to srve his motherland without a second thought and got himself recruited in the army at Ghoom Depot of Darjeeling Hills on the 12 March 1941. He was sent to the Indian Army Ordinance Corps Training Centre in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. After his brief formal training period he was immediately sent to the South East Africa along with his entire unit.

While fighting bravely in the front against the enemy he was captured and made Prisoner-of War after the fall of Singapore before Japanese Forces. After a short interval of such a surrender, on 15th Feb. 1942, he was recruited in the Azad Hind Fauz led by Netaji. While fighting decisively in the Burmese Frontier he was seriously injured and was taken to the Army hospital at once. But the visionaryand restless soldier of Azad Hind Fauz did not feel comfortable in the hospital any more. After a short recovery he made one more daunting effort to fight to the last in the bloody frontline. During the grim course of the war, the Allied Forces were making successful attempts one after another to drive the Japanese Forces beyond the enemy line; and unfortunately Azad Hind Fauz had to incur a heavy loss before the Allied Forces, especially after the retreat of the Japanese Soldiers from Rangoon, Burma; and had to surrender unconditionally to avert further losses. During this particular phase, Sunuwar was again made POW by the British. Later he was brought back to Jessore District Camp, Bengal. But afterwards his case was dismissed by the Court of Enquiry [Court Martial]. He was also dismissed from the service.

Having left his tough and unforgettable Army career behind, he peacefully restarted his life as a driver as before and served in the Darjeeling District School Board for at least 27 years until his retirement in 1984. In between this Civil career he was conferred upon a Bronze Medal by the Darjeeling District Magistrate on 26 January 1974 on behalf of Govt. of India for his supreme sacrifices, valour and outstanding contribution towards his beloved Motherland. Besides he has been conferred upon, bestowed and awarded numerous credentials, positions, and recognitions by different institutions which cannot bespecified hereunder. However, he simply deserves many more prestigious awards and recognition in view of his sacrifices and contributions in making his enslaved country totally free and independent. At present he is getting Freedom Fighter Pensioner Benefit from the Government of India.

From : Himalayan Beacon
The article was first published in 2008 in the The Himalayan Beacon