A collection of World War II ads dated 1942 published in The Indian Express by the British Government as part of its war efforts and for taking on Congress challenge.
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| A really good Ad. The image is just too in-genius. Suited-Booted Smiling Japanese and a simple Indian villager. Contrasts of the image drive home the message shockingly well. July 22, 1942. |
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| Portrait of the enemy. "The Jap. soldier moves through the jungle paths wearing singlet and shorts, rubber-soled canvas shoes, and tin hat. He carries a sub-machine gun, spare ammunition, stick grenades, water bottle and a machete (heavy bush knife) for hacking his way." January 16, 1942. |
And portrait of the enemy inside.
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| August 2, 1942 |
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| August 1, 1942 |
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| January 16, 1942 |
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| Figting Goondas in December 1942 |
War needs money.
And Men.
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| Recruitment ad for Indian Air Force. February 17, 1942 |
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Reading this, it almost feels like India used to be a Western country.
Maybe some parts of India were always Western. Or maybe this was always the case for English media . I remember reading an interesting account by one of the oldest residents of CP (don't have the link) recalling how on the eve of 15 August 1947 they went of see a cabaret at some place in CP.
Amazing work Vinayak, Its really surprising what people reading the ad on Joystick would have felt. Really surprising the ads a mroe like what is relevant today. Cant imagine if you remember the movies of those days - cannot correlate.
Thanks for bringing this up to the people.