The issue of bringing ‘ashes’ of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to India from Penkoji temple at Tokyo was discussed within the Government but there was no forward movement on it in view of an adverse reaction from the relatives of the Bose family and “a section of public”.
“The Japanese office have been telling the Embassy from time to time that it would be best if the ashes be taken back to India and the Embassy is of view that ashes be taken back to India and suitably enshrined..”, says a letter of Joint Secretary (N & EA), N N Jha, of Foreign Ministry, dated July 16, 1976, addressed to Ministry of Home Affairs.
The letter part of the declassified documents released on Saturday says since the priest at Penkoji temple was around 90 years of age and it cannot be ensured that after him his successor would be as sympathetic and understanding to the Indian position on the issue.
The Foreign Ministry official also said that temple authorities were feeling that Government was “indifferent” to the National hero and so the Ministry may consider bringing ashes to the country.
‘The body’ of Netaji was cremated on August 20, 1945, and ashes were taken to Tokyo on September 1945 in Penkoji temple. Netaji was supposed to have died on August 18, 1945 in a plane crash.
The matter was forwarded to the Intelligence Bureau for its suggestions.
The view was against bringing ashes to Delhi or Calcutta as IB felt that it would create “complications” as many do not recognise Bose’s death. “Government of India would be accused of foisting story upon people of West Bengal taking advantage of emergency .. can be used as a plank of propaganda”, said TV Rajeswar (Joint-director) in his letter ( 19/76). The maintenance expense for the ashes in the temple is borne by the Indian Government.