Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Anita Bose Pfaff writes about Netaji's Austrian wife
Anita Bose Pfaff, the daughter of the famous Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, is writing a book about her mother, Emilie Schenkl.
Emilie was an Austrian woman who worked as Subhas Chandra Bose's secretary, married him, and had a daughter, Anita.
While Subhas Chandra Bose was fighting for India's independence, Emilie stayed in Europe and faced many hardships during and after World War II.
The book, titled 'Subhash's Emilie', aims to tell Emilie's story, which has not been told before.
Anita is working with her daughter and a family member to complete the book using memories, documents, and stories.
Anita Bose Pfaff is writing a book about her mother, Emilie Schenkl, the Austrian wife of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Emilie Schenkl worked as Bose's secretary, married him in 1937, and had a daughter, Anita, in 1942.
While Bose fought for India's independence, Emilie faced hardships in Europe during and after World War II.
The book, 'Subhash's Emilie', focuses on Emilie's life and experiences, which have not been widely told.
Anita is collaborating with her daughter and Madhuri Bose to complete the book using memories, documents, and stories.
- Who
- Anita Bose Pfaff, daughter of Subhas Chandra Bose, and Emilie Schenkl, wife of Subhas Chandra Bose
- What
- Anita Bose Pfaff is writing a book about her mother Emilie Schenkl
- When
- Emilie Schenkl was born in 1910, married Subhas Chandra Bose in 1937, and had a daughter in 1942. The book is currently in progress.
- Where
- Emilie Schenkl lived in Europe, primarily in Austria and Germany. The book is being written with the assistance of family members in India and abroad.
- Why
- To tell the untold story of Emilie Schenkl, who lived a difficult life shaped by love, war, and political suspicion, and to focus on her experiences rather than those of Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Author
- Anita Bose Pfaff
- Subject
- Emilie Schenkl
- Book Title
- Subhash's Emilie
- Emilie's Birth Year
- 1910
- Anita's Birth Year
- 1942
- First Visit to India
- 1960
- Collaborators
- Maya (daughter), Madhuri Bose (granddaughter of Sarat Chandra Bose)