A historian’s perspective of an event differs from the more intimate subjective view of a participant in the event. In the present book, Col. Dhillon, who today is the only survivor of the historic Red Fort trial of 1945 records his experiences that contributed so signally to India’s Independence.
Col. Dhillon was one of the three accused of the famous INA trial that began on November 5, 1945 at Red Fort and was charged with “waging war against His Majesty the King-Emperor….” The trial marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for Independence and Col. Dhillon along with his two colleagues became symbol of India fighting for freedom.
In the present volume, Col. Dhillon narrates his experiences of INA and the nostalgic memories of the trial. The story narrated in the book is not the history of INA. The narrative is of the events which concerned the author or were to his knowledge in connection with his duties and status in the movement. It is more like a historical account of his actions.
In the words of Dr. Joyce C. Lebra, “Col. Dhillon’s memories reveal to the reader his unshakable principles, patriotic dedication to the cause of independence, courage under fire, historical sense, as well as his humanity and sense of humour, just as in his struggle, they contributed so vitally to India’s Independence.”
