Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti: A Plea to Bring Back His Mortal Remains
Anita Bose Pfaff urges the Indian government to bring back Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's mortal remains from Tokyo’s Renkoji Temple, marking his 128th birth anniversary on Parakram Diwas

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti: India celebrated the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, observed as Parakram Diwas. Known as one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, Netaji’s courage and leadership continue to inspire generations.
Anita Bose Pfaff’s Request to Bring Back Netaji’s Mortal Remains
Netaji’s daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff, has urged the Indian government to bring back her father’s mortal remains from the Renkoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, where they have been preserved for almost eight decades. She emphasized the importance of repatriating his remains to India, stating that Netaji’s "exile" should end, and his remains should return to his homeland.
Pfaff noted that the Japanese government and Renkoji Temple priests have long been willing to allow Netaji’s ashes to return to India. However, she pointed out that for decades, successive Indian governments either hesitated or refused to take this step.
The Debate Around Netaji’s Death
According to declassified government documents released in 2016, successive Indian governments concluded that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945, in Taipei, Taiwan. However, this information was never made public due to fears of a public backlash.
In 1995, a Cabinet note signed by then-Home Secretary K. Padmanabaiah stated:
"There seems to be no scope for doubt that he died in the air crash of August 18, 1945, at Taihoku. Government of India has already accepted this position. There is no evidence whatsoever to the contrary."
Despite this, many Indians, including members of Netaji's family, hoped he had survived. However, investigations and reports, including 11 documents related to the incident, now confirm that Netaji died in the crash.
A Call to Honor Netaji’s Legacy
Anita Bose Pfaff expressed her belief that bringing Netaji’s mortal remains to India would honor his legacy and provide closure to millions of his admirers. She also highlighted that many freedom fighters who died in exile never had the chance to return to their homeland, and it is time to correct this for Netaji.
Prime Minister Modi’s Tribute to Netaji
On Parakram Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Subhash Chandra Bose, calling him an epitome of courage and determination. He emphasized Bose’s immense contributions to India’s independence struggle and his lasting legacy.
Why Bringing Back Netaji’s Mortal Remains Matters
It symbolizes India’s respect and gratitude for one of its greatest freedom fighters.
It would fulfill the long-standing wishes of his family and followers.
It would ensure that his remains rest in his homeland, bringing closure to decades of debate and speculation.