The inscription reads Unity Faith Sacrifice. This unassuming plaque marks a significant site. This is the Former Indian National Army Monument.
Here in Esplanade Park stands a simple marker. It commemorates a monument demolished long ago. This monument was dedicated to the unknown warrior of the Indian National Army. The INA was a force formed during World War II. It was initially led by Captain Mohan Singh. Later it was led by Subhas Chandra Bose a well-known advocate for Indian independence.
The INA fought alongside the Japanese. Their common enemy was the British. The INA’s goal was to liberate India. The monument itself held great symbolic value. It represented the hopes and sacrifices of those who fought for India’s freedom. Subhas Chandra Bose himself laid the foundation stone on July 8 1945. The Japanese built it quickly. It was erected within a month. The monument’s motto was inscribed: Unity Faith Sacrifice.
The British however were not pleased. When they returned to Singapore after the war Lord Louis Mountbatten ordered the monument’s demolition. Historians suggest this was to erase any reminders of rebellion against British rule. It was also possibly an attempt to suppress the INA’s socialist ideals during the Cold War.
Yet the spirit of the INA remains. The plaque here keeps the memory alive. In 1995 the National Heritage Board designated this site a historical landmark. The Indian community in Singapore contributed to its restoration. The current monument is a testament to the enduring legacy of the INA and their fight for freedom. It stands as a reminder of their courage and sacrifice. It is a sobering yet powerful symbol of a struggle for independence. Look closely at the words Unity Faith Sacrifice. Let them resonate with you. Their meaning continues to carry weight. They stand as a tribute to those who fought so bravely. They fought for a future that would see India free.