The Spirit of Unity: How the INA Trials Shaped Lessons on Diversity

As India enters the 80th year since the high-profile trials against three officers of the Indian National Army (INA) in November 1945, this historic event offers enduring lessons for many nations in the Global South. The INA, founded by Subhas Chandra Bose, was an organization formed with the aim of securing India’s independence, embodying the spirit of unity across diverse backgrounds. For countries from Brazil and Nigeria to Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, Egypt, and Mexico, this chapter in Indian history underscores the power of unity in diversity as a defense against divisive external pressures. These trials highlight how an inclusive identity, built upon shared purpose, can resist attempts to exploit differences, providing a valuable framework for resilience and independence.

The INA, established by Subhas Chandra Bose, aimed to galvanize Indian society against British colonial control. The British Empire, hoping to delegitimize this movement, characterized it with labels intended to discredit the INA’s vision and efforts. However, for Indians, the INA represented hope and unity, particularly in the wake of the 1942 Quit India movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, which had demonstrated the collective strength of a unified national consciousness but had faded after excessive crackdown. By the time of these trials, the INA had gained substantial support from diverse communities, unifying people across regional and cultural backgrounds.

The INA Trials: Unity as a Catalyst for National Identity

The British prosecuted three INA officers : Shah Nawaz Khan, a Muslim; Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, a Sikh; and Prem Sahgal, a Hindu; reflecting the natural diversity of the INA itself, which embraced people from all regions and faiths. This diversity, rather than dividing public opinion, became a powerful symbol of unity. Indians across religious and regional lines rallied in solidarity with the officers, viewing their struggle as a representation of the nation’s broader aspirations for freedom and dignity. The trials sparked mass protests and reignited the collective drive toward a shared national identity, highlighting the strength of unity in the face of external challenges, reinforcing unity as an instrument for change.

The timing of the trials was particularly significant, coming three years after the severe repression of the Quit India movement of 1942, which had left the independence movement disheartened. However, the INA trials revitalized public morale and strengthened the resolve of those who had felt defeated. This unified response set the stage for further acts of collective resistance, including the momentum seen in the 1946 Royal Indian Navy mutiny, a significant event that showcased the collective power of shared national aspirations.

Lessons for the Global South: Unity in Diversity as a Shield Against External Influence

The story of the INA Trials offers invaluable insights for countries across the Global South, where colonial histories and ethnic complexities create both a strength and a vulnerability. In these regions, foreign actors often exploit ethnic and cultural differences to gain economic or political influence, knowing that a divided society is easier to control. The INA Trials demonstrate how unity across diverse communities can be a powerful defense, helping societies reject divisive outside agendas and pursue self-determination.

For the Global South, the lesson is clear: unity is crucial for defending against external pressures. By nurturing inclusive narratives that value diversity as part of a cohesive identity, societies can strengthen their resilience. Governments that prioritize equitable policies, inclusive development, and fair representation help ensure that all communities feel connected to the nation’s success. This unity builds a social fabric less vulnerable to exploitation, creating a foundation for a more sovereign and independent future.

Inclusive Identity as the Bedrock of Resilient Societies

The INA Trials underscored the transformative potential of an inclusive identity that values diversity as a cornerstone of strength. Despite religious and cultural differences, Indians came together to support the INA officers, rallying around shared goals and ideals. For nations in the Global South, this lesson is vital. Building a strong, inclusive identity fosters a sense of belonging that goes beyond ethnic or religious affiliations, creating a society that resists external pressures.

This inclusivity can be fostered through policy frameworks that prioritize marginalized communities, protect cultural diversity, and promote equitable access to resources. When each community feels valued, a society is better able to resist attempts to create division. Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America can take inspiration from this model, strengthening resilience by ensuring that all communities feel connected and valued in the national narrative.

Combating Modern “Divide and Rule” Tactics

Colonial-era tactics of division have evolved into sophisticated forms of economic dependencies, political interventions, and digital misinformation campaigns. These modern methods continue to threaten social cohesion and national sovereignty. Yet the INA Trials reveal that a society united around shared values and objectives can counter such interference. The lesson for the Global South is to emphasize common goals like social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment, creating a cohesive social fabric that resists division.

Policies that promote local industries, cultural pride, and sustainable development reduce vulnerabilities to outside influences. As shown in the INA Trials, when a society unites around common values, it builds resilience against attempts to destabilize or exploit it.

Looking Forward: Unity as the Foundation for Independence

The INA trials’ legacy demonstrates that unity in diversity remains essential for a nation’s sovereignty and resilience. While India’s partition ultimately happened, a tragic outcome of long-standing colonial policies, the solidarity shown during the trials proved that shared goals could transcend communal differences. For today’s Global South, this history offers a powerful blueprint for building inclusive, cohesive societies. By fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose across all communities, nations can create a path toward a more self-reliant and resilient future, ready to navigate global challenges while upholding the dignity and autonomy of all their people.