23 January 1897: "Remembering the Hero: Subhash Chandra Bose’s Birth Anniversary: Honouring the Fearless Freedom Fighter"

 

 

Subhash Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose played a crucial role in shaping India's struggle for freedom.

 

His Jayanti is officially also known as 'Parakram Diwas’ and PM Modi also paid tributes to Netaji on his birth anniversary and said his unwavering dedication to the nation’s freedom continues to inspire.

 

Born to Jankinath, a prominent lawyer, and Prabhavati, Bose was the ninth child among Jankinath's 14 children, including eight sons and six daughters. He attended Presidency College, Calcutta, till his suspension in 1916 due to nationalist activities. Later, he graduated from Scottish Churches College in 1919. Bose was sent to England's University of Cambridge to prepare for the Indian civil service examination which he cleared in 1920. A year later, he resigned from his Civil Service Job in 1921 and went back to India after the freedom struggle was launched in the nation.

 

Bose was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and was inspired to serve his country. Bose joined the Indian National Congress, the leading political party at the time, and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the cause of independence.

 

Bose was elected the president of Congress party and worked along with Jawahar Lal Nehru, another great political leader. Both had a more different and left-wing approach to Independence, which became a reason for Bose’s differences with Gandhi and other Congress leaders. In 1939, he left the party and went out of the country.

 

During World War II, Bose sought help from the Axis powers, including Germany and Japan, to free India from British rule. He believed that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" and saw an opportunity to exploit the situation. Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942, with the support of the Axis powers, and aimed to liberate India by force.

 

His famous slogan, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" resonated with the spirit of the time.

 

Under Bose's leadership, the INA fought against the British in Burma (now Myanmar) and other parts of Southeast Asia. The INA's slogan, "Jai Hind," became a rallying cry for Indian soldiers fighting for independence. Bose's charismatic leadership and determination inspired thousands of Indians to join the INA and fight for their country's freedom.

 

Unfortunately, Bose's efforts were cut short when he died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945, under mysterious circumstances. His death remains a subject of controversy and speculation to this day. Despite his untimely demise, Bose's contributions to the Indian independence movement are widely recognized and celebrated.

 

Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary, observed on January 23rd every year, serves as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. It is a day to honor his legacy and reflect on the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the struggle for independence. His relentless pursuit of freedom and his unwavering determination continue to inspire generations of Indians to this day.