Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Valiant Son of India

 

A Deccan Vision initiative commemorating “Parakram Divas”

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Valiant Son of India

Paying Homage On His 128th Birth Anniversary

The story of India’s independence struggle is incomplete without the valiant contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose, an undisputed mass leader who not only envisioned a free India but actively sought to achieve it through revolutionary means. Unlike many of his contemporaries who followed Gandhiji’s doctrine of non-violence, he strongly believed that freedom is not a charity, and could only be won through armed struggle.

Subhas, a great Indian nationalist who fought bravely against the tyranny of British rule, was an acclaimed charismatic leader of his time and a key figure in India's fight for independence. Nicknamed Netaji, he was a dynamic and visionary personality who believed in taking strong and decisive actions to achieve India's freedom.

His clarion call, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” inspires generations boundless by era. As the nation commemorates his 128th birth anniversary on 23rd January 2025, it is imperative to reminisce about his extraordinary journey, unyielding spirit, and invaluable role in dominating the struggles for India's independence against all odds.

Early Life and Education

Born on 23rd January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Subhas belonged to a well-respected Bengali family. His father was a reputed lawyer, which ensured a privileged upbringing and quality education. He excelled academically at Cattack’s Ravenshaw Collegiate School, then at Presidency College, Calcutta, where he first faced British racial discrimination.

In 1919, he studied at the University of Cambridge and passed the prestigious Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination in 1920, ranking fourth among European intellects. However, he resigned in April 1921, stating that he could not serve a colonial government that enslaved his country's people.

Political Journey and Differences with Congress

Subhas’s resignation from the ICS marked the beginning of his active participation in India’s freedom movement. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) under Chittaranjan Das, whom he regarded as his political mentor. By 1930, he was the Mayor of Calcutta, demonstrating his administrative skills. His radical ideology often clashed with the moderate Congress leadership, particularly Gandhi, who advocated non-violence, while Subhas believed in armed resistance.

In 1938, he was elected Congress President in the Haripura Session, where he emphasized the country’s industrialization and self-reliance. In 1939, he was re-elected as Congress President against Gandhi’s nominee Pattabhi Sitaramayya, however, due to fundamental ideological differences when the Congress Committee initially wanted independence in phases, through dominion status as against Subhas’s call for complete freedom, he resigned and later founded the Forward Bloc, aiming to unite all radical elements.

He was a strong believer in the Bhagwat Gita as the great source of inspiration for the fight against the British. he was also deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Aurobindo Ghose’s teachings, which instilled a sense of duty toward his motherland.

Struggle for India’s Freedom and Formation of INA

After resigning from Congress, Subhas was placed under house arrest by the British in July 1940. In January 1941, he made a daring escape from his residence in Calcutta, traveling through Afghanistan, the Soviet Union, and Germany, and finally reaching Japan to seek Axis support against British rule.

In 1943, he took control of the Indian National Army (INA), which was initially formed by Captain Mohan Singh and Rash Behari Bose with Indian prisoners of war from the British army. Under Netaji Subhas’s leadership, the INA and its women's armed wing, Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Sehgal, gained momentum.

INA’s military campaigns in Burma (now Myanmar), and Imphal-Kohima of Indian territory played a crucial role in weakening the British power and authority. The Azad Hind Government was declared in October 1943, with Netaji as its Head of State. In 1944, the INA hoisted the Indian flag in Moirang, Manipur, marking a historic moment. Despite Netaji’s best efforts, Japan’s defeat in World War II weakened the INA’s daring forward-march campaign, and its soldiers were later captured, while he sought refuge.

Netaji’s Mysterious Disappearance and Theories

On 18th August 1945, Netaji reportedly died in a plane crash in Taipei, Taiwan, while escaping. However, various theories suggest that he survived and lived in hiding in the USSR, China, and India under a different identity. The Gumnami Baba theory, Russian captivity theory, and lack of conclusive DNA evidence have fueled speculations about his fate.

Several commissions, including the Shah Nawaz Committee (1956), Khosla Commission (1970), and Mukherjee Commission (2006), investigated his disappearance but failed to establish conclusive proof of his death.

Legacy and Impact on Modern India

Despite the mystery surrounding his miraculous disappearance, Netaji’s legacy remains eternal. The INA trials in the Red Fort (1945-46) stirred nationalist sentiments, forcing the British to reconsider their hold on India. The influence of INA on Indian soldiers in the British army impacted the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946, contributing to India’s eventual independence sometime later.

The incumbent government of the day, headed by Sri Narendra Modi, has extended several initiatives to honor the versatile contributions of Netaji. In 2018, INA veterans were honored at the Republic Day Parade. The same year, South Andaman’s Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. Netaji’s birthday, as ‘Parakram Diwas’, the Day of Valor, was declared in 2021. Netaji’s granite statue was installed at the India Gate in 2022.

Conclusion

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is an unforgettable national hero, an epitome of nationalism and sacrifice. He remains an enduring symbol of immortal courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. His vision of a strong, self-reliant, independent India and his relentless struggle against colonial rule continue to inspire millions. Even though, for unknown reasons, history books have often underplayed his contributions, the people of India have kept his memory alive. A call for a deeper recognition of his contributions beyond political lines is expected. On his 128th birth anniversary, the nation must reaffirm its commitment to his ideals and recognize his role as one of the greatest revolutionaries of India’s independence movement.

By Prof. (Dr.) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya

(The writer is a Hyderabad-based distinguished freelance author, journo, speaker, leadership coach, and Emeritus Professor of Management Studies)

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