While researching for my next book on Anand Mohan Sahay and Sati Sahay, I often stumble upon interesting archival material related to the INA or the Rani Jhansi Regiment. To help researchers, historians, and veterans’ families, I am sharing everything I find on this blog. Hopefully, it will be of help to some of you.
Today’s Find: From the INA to AIL (Air India Limited)
Today, while navigating the never-ending, subterranean warrens of the National Archives, I stumbled upon a short news clipping about Lt Pratima Paul. Immediately, the name seemed familiar. Dadi, in The War Diary of Asha-san, mentions a Bengali girl named Pratima Dasgupta.
Pratima is the first to meet her at the Rani Jhansi Camp in Bangkok, and helps Asha get accustomed to camp life. They train together and share intimate moments that only soldiers can experience together.
From I. N. A. to A. I. L.
No, not Indian National Airways, but the Indian National Army. Yes, our Miss Paul — she is one of our most popular airhostesses — was, during the war, ‘way out in the Far East, in Japanese Occupied Territory, and was a lieutenant in the I. N. A. The photograph shows her with her women troops all mustered for inspection by none other than Netaji Subhas Bose — yes, that’s him alright.
Lt Pratima Paul of the INA (Rani Jhansi Regiment)
On June 25, 1945, Asha mentions going to the market and having her photograph taken along with Pratima.
Miraculously, this photograph has survived a war and 80 years!
I do remember showing this photo to Dadi and her describing Pratima as “Pratima Pal”. It seems she was often referred to as Pratima Pal or Pratima Paul.
Sidenote: I will be compiling a list of members of the Rani Jhansi Regiment. Perhaps a future comprehensive study is on the horizon!
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