Gautam Hazarika
@gautamhazarika.bsky.social
Author & WWII Singapore researcher | Uncovering stories of Indian POWs | The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of WWII (Penguin India & Pen & Sword, 2025)
The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II in Kinokuniya Singapore!
The book is now available in India, UK, Singapore, with USA launch in a month. The ebook is also out in India with the audio book being recorded.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
The book is now available in India, UK, Singapore, with USA launch in a month. The ebook is also out in India with the audio book being recorded.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
February 9, 2026 at 9:20 AM
The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II in Kinokuniya Singapore!
The book is now available in India, UK, Singapore, with USA launch in a month. The ebook is also out in India with the audio book being recorded.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
The book is now available in India, UK, Singapore, with USA launch in a month. The ebook is also out in India with the audio book being recorded.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
The Tartan Sikhs at Kranji Singapore
Earlier today, Sikh pipers gave a fitting tribute to the 3318 Singh’s of the Indian Army who died in East Asia in WWII whose names are carved on the walls of Kranji War Cemetery.
A very moving ceremony.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
Earlier today, Sikh pipers gave a fitting tribute to the 3318 Singh’s of the Indian Army who died in East Asia in WWII whose names are carved on the walls of Kranji War Cemetery.
A very moving ceremony.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
February 8, 2026 at 11:20 AM
The Tartan Sikhs at Kranji Singapore
Earlier today, Sikh pipers gave a fitting tribute to the 3318 Singh’s of the Indian Army who died in East Asia in WWII whose names are carved on the walls of Kranji War Cemetery.
A very moving ceremony.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
Earlier today, Sikh pipers gave a fitting tribute to the 3318 Singh’s of the Indian Army who died in East Asia in WWII whose names are carved on the walls of Kranji War Cemetery.
A very moving ceremony.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
War Walk With Gautam – open to NUS only
On Sunday 15Feb, the 84th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore, we visit sites of significance to the INA formed with Japanese help to free India from Britain. Experience the drama through archives & family memories.
#INA #SingaporeWW2 #IndianArmy
On Sunday 15Feb, the 84th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore, we visit sites of significance to the INA formed with Japanese help to free India from Britain. Experience the drama through archives & family memories.
#INA #SingaporeWW2 #IndianArmy
February 7, 2026 at 12:53 PM
War Walk With Gautam – open to NUS only
On Sunday 15Feb, the 84th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore, we visit sites of significance to the INA formed with Japanese help to free India from Britain. Experience the drama through archives & family memories.
#INA #SingaporeWW2 #IndianArmy
On Sunday 15Feb, the 84th anniversary of the surrender of Singapore, we visit sites of significance to the INA formed with Japanese help to free India from Britain. Experience the drama through archives & family memories.
#INA #SingaporeWW2 #IndianArmy
My birthday present yesterday – seeing my book at the National Army Museum in Chelsea!
Thrilled to see The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II out in bookshops & the great company it keeps
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
Thrilled to see The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II out in bookshops & the great company it keeps
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
February 2, 2026 at 12:55 PM
My birthday present yesterday – seeing my book at the National Army Museum in Chelsea!
Thrilled to see The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II out in bookshops & the great company it keeps
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
Thrilled to see The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II out in bookshops & the great company it keeps
@penandswordbooks.bsky.social @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
3318 Singh’s on the Wall
There are 3318 Singh’s who died in East Asia in WW2 whose bodies were never found. Their names are carved on the walls of the Kranji War Cemetery. On Sunday Feb8 attend a commemoration and a special exhibition.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
There are 3318 Singh’s who died in East Asia in WW2 whose bodies were never found. Their names are carved on the walls of the Kranji War Cemetery. On Sunday Feb8 attend a commemoration and a special exhibition.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
February 1, 2026 at 3:07 AM
3318 Singh’s on the Wall
There are 3318 Singh’s who died in East Asia in WW2 whose bodies were never found. Their names are carved on the walls of the Kranji War Cemetery. On Sunday Feb8 attend a commemoration and a special exhibition.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
There are 3318 Singh’s who died in East Asia in WW2 whose bodies were never found. Their names are carved on the walls of the Kranji War Cemetery. On Sunday Feb8 attend a commemoration and a special exhibition.
#IndianArmy #SingaporeWW2
It is truly humbling to receive generous encouragement from Robert Lyman. Having spent decades immersed in military history and the Second World War, his observations add weight to the stories that I have tried to honour.
January 30, 2026 at 11:25 AM
It is truly humbling to receive generous encouragement from Robert Lyman. Having spent decades immersed in military history and the Second World War, his observations add weight to the stories that I have tried to honour.
Grateful to BBC London Radio for helping bring unheard stories into the light. This book isn’t about war or medals, but about the quiet courage of waiting, surviving, and hoping. Thankful to the families who trusted me with their memories.
January 29, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Grateful to BBC London Radio for helping bring unheard stories into the light. This book isn’t about war or medals, but about the quiet courage of waiting, surviving, and hoping. Thankful to the families who trusted me with their memories.
I didn’t choose this story. It found me.
I discovered a forgotten chapter, and what began as fascination became a deep need to share it. These men, and the women who waited for them at home, deserved to be remembered—not because I had the answers, but because their courage demanded it.
I discovered a forgotten chapter, and what began as fascination became a deep need to share it. These men, and the women who waited for them at home, deserved to be remembered—not because I had the answers, but because their courage demanded it.
January 28, 2026 at 9:58 AM
I didn’t choose this story. It found me.
I discovered a forgotten chapter, and what began as fascination became a deep need to share it. These men, and the women who waited for them at home, deserved to be remembered—not because I had the answers, but because their courage demanded it.
I discovered a forgotten chapter, and what began as fascination became a deep need to share it. These men, and the women who waited for them at home, deserved to be remembered—not because I had the answers, but because their courage demanded it.
80 Years Ago Today - Justice in Singapore for Indian POWs - The First war crimes held in Singapore on 21Jan1946 was for atrocities by Japanese soldiers against Indian Indian POWs. My article on what happened to the POWs & the trial.
open.substack.com/.../80-years....
#WWII #singapore #indianarmy
open.substack.com/.../80-years....
#WWII #singapore #indianarmy
January 21, 2026 at 7:26 AM
80 Years Ago Today - Justice in Singapore for Indian POWs - The First war crimes held in Singapore on 21Jan1946 was for atrocities by Japanese soldiers against Indian Indian POWs. My article on what happened to the POWs & the trial.
open.substack.com/.../80-years....
#WWII #singapore #indianarmy
open.substack.com/.../80-years....
#WWII #singapore #indianarmy
Research isn’t just about searching documents; it is meeting and encountering people. What endured was the trust families placed in me when they opened their homes and histories.
January 19, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Research isn’t just about searching documents; it is meeting and encountering people. What endured was the trust families placed in me when they opened their homes and histories.
Grateful to Damien Lewis for recognising these forgotten WWII stories. His words honour loyalty betrayal & sacrifice. Thank you. @penguinbooksusa.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
You can order the book in India : amzn.in/d/08bwEl5
You can order the book in Singapore : amzn.asia/d/5a1bnyw
You can order the book in India : amzn.in/d/08bwEl5
You can order the book in Singapore : amzn.asia/d/5a1bnyw
January 12, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Grateful to Damien Lewis for recognising these forgotten WWII stories. His words honour loyalty betrayal & sacrifice. Thank you. @penguinbooksusa.bsky.social @penandswordbooks.bsky.social
You can order the book in India : amzn.in/d/08bwEl5
You can order the book in Singapore : amzn.asia/d/5a1bnyw
You can order the book in India : amzn.in/d/08bwEl5
You can order the book in Singapore : amzn.asia/d/5a1bnyw
Today’s Straits Times on my book +APPEAL TO FIND FAMILY MEMBERS of brave Singaporeans who aided Indian POWs in WWII–they enabled Lt Pillai’s escape & hid Lt Shikoh from the Japanese.
PLEASE HELP FIND THEM – so they know how brave their ancestor was & connect them to the Pillai/ Shikoh families.
PLEASE HELP FIND THEM – so they know how brave their ancestor was & connect them to the Pillai/ Shikoh families.
January 11, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Today’s Straits Times on my book +APPEAL TO FIND FAMILY MEMBERS of brave Singaporeans who aided Indian POWs in WWII–they enabled Lt Pillai’s escape & hid Lt Shikoh from the Japanese.
PLEASE HELP FIND THEM – so they know how brave their ancestor was & connect them to the Pillai/ Shikoh families.
PLEASE HELP FIND THEM – so they know how brave their ancestor was & connect them to the Pillai/ Shikoh families.
Here, on the steps of Singapore’s City Hall, history shifted for India.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s words didn’t just inspire they awakened a nation’s spirit. In July 1943, amid thunderous cheers and unshakable belief, thousands found purpose in his vision of freedom.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s words didn’t just inspire they awakened a nation’s spirit. In July 1943, amid thunderous cheers and unshakable belief, thousands found purpose in his vision of freedom.
January 9, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Here, on the steps of Singapore’s City Hall, history shifted for India.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s words didn’t just inspire they awakened a nation’s spirit. In July 1943, amid thunderous cheers and unshakable belief, thousands found purpose in his vision of freedom.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s words didn’t just inspire they awakened a nation’s spirit. In July 1943, amid thunderous cheers and unshakable belief, thousands found purpose in his vision of freedom.
THE TRIAL THAT FREED INDIA EARLY
80 Years Ago today – 3Jan1946 – the verdict was pronounced for the first INA trial at the Red Fort Delhi – India’s independence came after a long struggle, but this trial certainly hastened it - read about it here
scroll.in/article/1089...
Image awazthevoice.in
80 Years Ago today – 3Jan1946 – the verdict was pronounced for the first INA trial at the Red Fort Delhi – India’s independence came after a long struggle, but this trial certainly hastened it - read about it here
scroll.in/article/1089...
Image awazthevoice.in
January 3, 2026 at 3:09 AM
THE TRIAL THAT FREED INDIA EARLY
80 Years Ago today – 3Jan1946 – the verdict was pronounced for the first INA trial at the Red Fort Delhi – India’s independence came after a long struggle, but this trial certainly hastened it - read about it here
scroll.in/article/1089...
Image awazthevoice.in
80 Years Ago today – 3Jan1946 – the verdict was pronounced for the first INA trial at the Red Fort Delhi – India’s independence came after a long struggle, but this trial certainly hastened it - read about it here
scroll.in/article/1089...
Image awazthevoice.in
Some acts of courage happen quietly, hidden in plain sight.
Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Bedi chose service over safety, serving his country with quiet resolve. His bravery lives in archives, waiting to return to the people it belongs to.
Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Bedi chose service over safety, serving his country with quiet resolve. His bravery lives in archives, waiting to return to the people it belongs to.
January 2, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Some acts of courage happen quietly, hidden in plain sight.
Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Bedi chose service over safety, serving his country with quiet resolve. His bravery lives in archives, waiting to return to the people it belongs to.
Warrant Officer Kirpal Singh Bedi chose service over safety, serving his country with quiet resolve. His bravery lives in archives, waiting to return to the people it belongs to.
Happy New Year! On a busy new year's day in 1942, Capt. Mohan Singh first used the term Indian National Army.
Read more about it in my substack here open.substack.com/pub/thesinga...
Read more about it in my substack here open.substack.com/pub/thesinga...
THE FIRST USE OF THE TERM INDIAN NATIONAL ARMY
A masterclass in diplomacy or a typical Politician? Tell me what you think.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Happy New Year! On a busy new year's day in 1942, Capt. Mohan Singh first used the term Indian National Army.
Read more about it in my substack here open.substack.com/pub/thesinga...
Read more about it in my substack here open.substack.com/pub/thesinga...
83 years ago, one decision reminded us what real leadership looks like. General Mohan Singh chose conscience over convenience, knowing the personal cost could be severe. His stand showed that freedom cannot come by trading one ruler for another.
#WWIIBooks #GeneralMohanSinghHistory #WarStories
#WWIIBooks #GeneralMohanSinghHistory #WarStories
December 29, 2025 at 12:33 PM
83 years ago, one decision reminded us what real leadership looks like. General Mohan Singh chose conscience over convenience, knowing the personal cost could be severe. His stand showed that freedom cannot come by trading one ruler for another.
#WWIIBooks #GeneralMohanSinghHistory #WarStories
#WWIIBooks #GeneralMohanSinghHistory #WarStories
Robert Lyman—military historian, former British Army officer, and author of A War of Empires and Bill Slim brings rare authority to his praise. His description of The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II as “a calm, detailed and revealing account of the lost Indian POWs of 1942”
December 24, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Robert Lyman—military historian, former British Army officer, and author of A War of Empires and Bill Slim brings rare authority to his praise. His description of The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II as “a calm, detailed and revealing account of the lost Indian POWs of 1942”
Tour of Singapore war sites with family of soldiers who were there.
We began at the historic Padang where Japan surrendered & Netaji spoke, went to the INA Memorial Marker, the site of the Rani Jhani Regiment, Gen Mohan Singh’s wartime home ending with lunch in Little India.
#Indiansoldiers #WWII
We began at the historic Padang where Japan surrendered & Netaji spoke, went to the INA Memorial Marker, the site of the Rani Jhani Regiment, Gen Mohan Singh’s wartime home ending with lunch in Little India.
#Indiansoldiers #WWII
December 19, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Tour of Singapore war sites with family of soldiers who were there.
We began at the historic Padang where Japan surrendered & Netaji spoke, went to the INA Memorial Marker, the site of the Rani Jhani Regiment, Gen Mohan Singh’s wartime home ending with lunch in Little India.
#Indiansoldiers #WWII
We began at the historic Padang where Japan surrendered & Netaji spoke, went to the INA Memorial Marker, the site of the Rani Jhani Regiment, Gen Mohan Singh’s wartime home ending with lunch in Little India.
#Indiansoldiers #WWII
Hosted at Indian Heritage Centre Singapore by Chairman of its Advisory Board, Mr. R Rajaram
Privileged to be taken on a tour by the Chairman along with notables who attended NUS’s launch in Singapore of my book The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II
Privileged to be taken on a tour by the Chairman along with notables who attended NUS’s launch in Singapore of my book The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II
December 18, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Hosted at Indian Heritage Centre Singapore by Chairman of its Advisory Board, Mr. R Rajaram
Privileged to be taken on a tour by the Chairman along with notables who attended NUS’s launch in Singapore of my book The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II
Privileged to be taken on a tour by the Chairman along with notables who attended NUS’s launch in Singapore of my book The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II
Behind every prisoner was a life shaped by impossible choices born of hunger, fear & hope. They were not war statistics, but fathers, sons, friends, and quiet dreamers. Their courage lived in endurance. History is written not only on battlefields, but in the silent suffering of those who survived
December 17, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Behind every prisoner was a life shaped by impossible choices born of hunger, fear & hope. They were not war statistics, but fathers, sons, friends, and quiet dreamers. Their courage lived in endurance. History is written not only on battlefields, but in the silent suffering of those who survived
When Indian POWs escaped Singapore in 1942, survival often came from ordinary people who risked everything—shopkeepers, doctors, policemen, workers—quiet heroes across Singapore, Malaya, Thailand and Burma. Their courage shaped countless lives.
December 12, 2025 at 8:24 AM
When Indian POWs escaped Singapore in 1942, survival often came from ordinary people who risked everything—shopkeepers, doctors, policemen, workers—quiet heroes across Singapore, Malaya, Thailand and Burma. Their courage shaped countless lives.
Aliyeh Rizvi shared her family’s WWII story at my book launch: her grandfather, Lt. Col. Mir Sarfaraz Hussain, survived captivity and trauma, while her family faced loss and uncertainty back home.
December 4, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Aliyeh Rizvi shared her family’s WWII story at my book launch: her grandfather, Lt. Col. Mir Sarfaraz Hussain, survived captivity and trauma, while her family faced loss and uncertainty back home.