The Asiatic Society of Mumbai  
cordially invites you to the launch of the book
“The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II” by Gautam Hazarika
The author will be in conversation with
Mannat Gumman Faruqui and Shaad Ali Sahgal
Tuesday 11th November, 2025, at 5.00 p.m.
 

The Asiatic Society of Mumbai cordially invites you to the launch of the book “The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II” by Gautam Hazarika at the Durbar Hall of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, at 5.00 pm on Tuesday 11th November, 2025. The author will be in conversation with Mannat Gumman Faruqui and Shaad Ali Sahgal.

Singapore based Gautam Hazarika, a former banker, now writes on little-known aspects of World War II in Southeast Asia, especially the Indian Army, anti-Japanese resistance, and war crimes trials. He regularly presents at museums in Singapore and international conferences. His book has featured in various national and international publications and news portals. The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II is his first book.

Half the troops defending Singapore in World War II were Indian, many of them from Mumbai. Some of these 67,000 men joined the Japanese-backed Indian National Army.  Others made daring escapes, or endured forced labour in Papua New Guinea from where most never returned. Their families lived with silence, separation, and survival against odds, while the official memory of their sacrifices faded. The book seeks to remember their courage and loss, and restore their place in history through the stories of their descendants.

Mannat Gumman Faruqui is the youngest granddaughter of General Mohan Singh, one of the founders of the INA. After graduating from Lady Shri Ram College New Delhi, she moved to Mumbai and worked in film production. Recently she made a switch to jewellery design, co-founding a company with her husband. 

Shaad Ali Sahgal is a Mumbai based filmmaker, whose parents are Subhashini Ali formerly CPI(M) and MP Kanpur, and Muzaffar Ali the noted filmmaker. His maternal grandparents are Major Dr Lakhsmi Swaminathan, 1st C/O Rani Jhansi Regiment INA and Col. PK Sahgal one of the accused in the famous INA Red Fort Trial in 1945.

Please join us for tea at 4.30 p.m.

- Prof Vispi Balaporia, President Asiatic Society of Mumbai