Japanese Ambassador Honors 97-Year-Old Freedom Fighter Asha Sahay in Patna
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Synopsis
During his visit to Bihar, Japanese Ambassador Keiichi Ono met 97-year-old freedom fighter Asha Sahay Choudhry, a member of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Rani of Jhansi Regiment. The meeting celebrated India's rich history of freedom struggle.
Key Takeaways
- Asha Sahay Choudhry is a significant figure in India's freedom history.
- Ambassador Ono praised her dedication to India's independence.
- Ono enjoyed local cuisine, notably litti-chokha.
- The visit coincided with the Sattuan festival.
- Japan is investing in infrastructure projects in Bihar.
Patna, April 15 (NationPress) During his official trip to Bihar, Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono honored India’s freedom struggle by meeting Asha Sahay Choudhry, a distinguished member of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Born in 1928, Choudhry was motivated by Netaji’s call for independence and joined the regiment. At 97 years old, she resides in Patna, embodying bravery and patriotism.
“I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Asha Sahay Choudhry, born in Japan in 1928, who joined the Rani of the Jhansi Regiment inspired by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, dedicating herself to India's freedom. I deeply admire her commitment to her homeland and wish her ongoing health,” Ambassador Ono shared on the social media platform X.
Asha Sahay Choudhry was born in Kobe, Japan, in 1928. Her father, Anand Mohan Sahay, served as a Minister in the Azad Hind Government and was a political advisor to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Asha met Netaji alongside her mother, Sati Sen Sahay, at the age of 15. She officially joined the Rani of the Jhansi Regiment in early 1945, underwent training in Bangkok, and was imprisoned following the Japanese surrender. She reunited with her father in April 1946.
In a delightful cultural exchange, the ambassador also engaged with Bihar’s culinary heritage, sharing a now-popular photo of himself enjoying the state's renowned litti-chokha.
“Namaste Bihar! Finally had the chance to taste the world-famous litti-chokha -- absolutely delicious! Ajab swad ba!” he wrote, winning the hearts of social media users.
His visit aligned with Sattuan, a traditional festival celebrated on April 14, which involves enjoying sattu-based dishes. Ono's Bihari thali included local specialties like launglata, rasiya, buttermilk, bajka-kachri, and rice, reflecting the rich culinary diversity of the state.
As a part of his diplomatic engagement, Ambassador Ono, together with Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Naoya Haraikawa and other embassy officials, visited Bodh Gaya and meditated beneath the Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple complex.
He remarked, “Visited Prema Metta School in Bodhgaya, where local children receive free education. Youngsters are learning Japanese at the attached language school, and some graduates now work in Japan. I felt immense hope for the future of India and Japan through their smiles and aspirations.”
The delegation also assessed the progress of the Japan-funded Bihar National Highway Improvement Project, particularly the Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane road, which aims to decrease travel time and stimulate economic growth and tourism in the area.
“The project is anticipated to significantly enhance tourism and the economy,” Ono stated online.
Interestingly, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also enjoyed litti-chokha during his visit to India, highlighting the strengthening cultural ties between Japan and Bihar.
