Explore the life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 127th Birth Anniversary. From leading the Indian National Army to forming alliances against the British, discover the courageous journey of this revered freedom fighter.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
On 23rd January each year, India pays tribute to one of its valiant sons, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, celebrating his birth anniversary as ‘Parakram Diwas’ or Courage Day. This year marks the 127th anniversary of the birth of a man whose indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India’s independence have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.
Born on 23rd January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Subhas Chandra Bose was the ninth child of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi. A brilliant student, he completed his BA in Philosophy at the Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata). His pursuit of education led him to England for the Civil Services Examination, where he not only secured the highest marks in English but also claimed the fourth overall position.
In 1921, Subhas Chandra Bose took a pivotal step in his journey by resigning from the Indian Civil Service and returning to India. His confrontations with the British authorities earned him the reputation of a rebel, fueled by a burning desire for India’s freedom.
Under the mentorship of Congress leader Chittaranjan Das, Bose played a significant role in the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1922 after Das and Motilal Nehru parted ways with the Congress. His journalistic endeavors included the establishment of the newspaper ‘Swaraj’ and serving as the editor of ‘Forward,’ a publication initiated by Chittaranjan Das.
Bose’s political trajectory continued to ascend as he was elected the President of the All India Youth Congress Committee in 1923 and took on the role of Secretary of the Bengal State Congress. His influence even extended to municipal governance when he served as the mayor of Calcutta in 1930.
The pivotal moment in Netaji’s legacy unfolded during World War II. In 1942, he formed the Indian National Army (INA) in Southeast Asia, with the support of Japan. Comprising Indian soldiers captured by the British Indian Army, the INA stood as a formidable force against the British. Bose went on to establish the provisional government of Free India or Azad Hind in 1943, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then under Japanese control.
The mystery surrounding Netaji’s death adds a poignant chapter to his remarkable life. Believed to have died in a plane crash shortly after take-off, the circumstances remain shrouded in uncertainty. The Indian government has initiated multiple committees to delve into the enigma of his demise.
The honorary title ‘Netaji,’ meaning ‘Revered Leader’ in Hindi, was bestowed upon Subhas Chandra Bose by German and Indian officials at the Special Bureau of India in Berlin, reflecting the respect he commanded.
As India commemorates the 127th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his legacy stands as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and an unyielding pursuit of freedom that continues to inspire generations.
Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who fought for India’s independence from British colonial rule. He is known for his inspiring speeches and slogans, such as “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!” and “It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood.”
Here are some of his quotes that reflect his vision and courage:
- “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
- “Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
- “Reality is, after all, too big for our frail understanding to fully comprehend. Nevertheless, we have to build our life on the theory which contains the maximum truth.”
- “Nationalism is inspired by the highest ideals of the human race, satyam [the true], shivam [the god], sundaram [the beautiful].”
- “We must have the courage to dare and endure.”
- “Forget not that the grossest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you must give, if you want to get.”
- “The secret of political bargaining is to look more strong than what you really are.”
- “The nation will not be satisfied with mere political independence.”
- “We should have but one desire today – the desire to die so that India may live – the desire to face a martyr’s death, so that the path to freedom may be paved with the martyr’s blood.”
- “When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauz has to be like a wall of granite; when we march, the Azad Hind Fauz has to be like a steamroller.”
I hope you find these quotes inspiring and motivating. If you want to learn more about Subhas Chandra Bose and his life, you can visit this Section
