When Netaji came from Germany to Singapore, he sent out a passionate appeal to us to help free India.

In an inspiring speech, he urged us all to sign in blood pledging to give our blood to free India from British shackles. We responded to his call, unflinchingly and determined to sacrifice all, put down our signatures in blood for the highest duty: fighting for the cause of freedom

I was officer-in-charge, central spare parts depot and officer-in-charge fighting vehicles census branch. The depot was located in the huge Bidadhari camp in Singapore which also had the clothing, ordnance and the food supply divisions.

I personally used to check all the materials supplied and sign the bills. The total amount of material purchased, issued and the balance were meticulously recorded by me in a ledger

I remember when Netaji came to inspect the depot of which I was in charge. He used to personally look into all affairs and remedy matters without delay. He asked me if there was any shortage in the depot. I drew up an estimate which amounted to Rs 10 lakhs. And the payment was made in installments of Rs 5 lakhs each.

We renewed our supply and bought tyres and tubes, and parts needed for the vehicles from the local market there.

Netaji said, no monetary help is to be taken from the Japanese.All the money to buy the supplies came from funds supplied by Indians in east Asian who responded generously to Netaji's call. The money was deposited by them in branches of the Azad Hind Bank. Receipts were handed for small payments of Rs 25/- and Rs 50/-

Our journey to Burma
In 1944, Netaji gave the call: Chalo Delhi, Jai Hind. We took up the clarion call, the spirit of patriotism brimming in our hearts, and readied to go to Burma. I took charge of the same depot in Rangoon, sent my group of 230 jawans to Mandalay and returned to Rangoon to take charge as somebody was needed immediately to handle the spare parts and vehicles division back in Singapore.

Travelling by train, by lorry, by ferry, it took us three months to reach Burma from Singapore. We used to travel at night only, halting in the day time at camps, which were infested with mosquitoes and snakes.