Abid Hasan Safrani (1911 to 1984) was an Indian freedom fighter, soldier, and diplomat best known for his association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army INA).
Born in Hyderabad, he studied in Germany in the 1930s, where he met Netaji and joined his struggle to liberate India from British rule. The word “Safrani” was a symbolic title he adopted to represent the saffron (sacrifice) of India’s freedom movement.
His Sacrifices for India
1. Left a Comfortable Life Abroad
- Abid Hasan had opportunities in Europe, but he gave them up to dedicate himself to India’s Independence struggle.
2. Joined Netaji’s Mission in Exile
- He became personal secretary and translator to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany.
3. Faced Hardship as INA Soldier
- He worked for the Azad Hind Radio, spreading India’s independence message across Europe.
- Trained under harsh wartime conditions to build the INA.
4. Risked His Life During World War II
- As part of Bose’s team, he faced the constant threat of arrest, bombing, and death during the war.
His Important Role in India’s Independence
1. Coined “Jai Hind”
- Abid Hasan Safrani is credited with giving India its iconic salutation “Jai Hind”, which became the battle cry of the INA and later independent India.
- Netaji adopted it officially, and after independence, it became a national greeting.
2. Close Associate of Netaji
- He accompanied Netaji during crucial moments of his European campaign and helped in planning strategies to raise the INA.
3. Spread Nationalist Propaganda
- Through radio broadcasts in German and other languages, he helped counter British propaganda and encouraged Indians abroad to join the freedom cause.
Diplomatic Contributions After Independence
- After 1947, he served independent India as a diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), representing the country in various nations.
Legacy
- Abid Hasan Safrani is remembered as the man who gave India the immortal slogan “Jai Hind”.
- Though not as widely celebrated as other leaders, his sacrifices, loyalty to Netaji, and contribution to India’s freedom movement make him one of the unsung heroes of independence.
- His life reflects courage, sacrifice, and commitment to a free India.
Summary:
Abid Hasan Safrani, a close aide of Subhas Chandra Bose, sacrificed a comfortable life to join the INA, spread the message of freedom, and gifted India the salutation “Jai Hind.” He later served as a diplomat, continuing his service to the nation even after Independence.
