Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose - A Freedom Fighter's Legacy

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, left an indelible mark on India's fight for independence. His leadership and passion for freedom resonate even today, commemorated on his 126th Birth Anniversary as Parakram Diwas.

Early Life and Education

Netaji was born to Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. His father, a successful lawyer, received the title of "Rai Bahadur." Educated at the Protestant European School in Cuttack and later at Presidency College, Calcutta, Netaji was influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna. Sent to the University of Cambridge in England to prepare for the Indian Civil Service, he passed the exam in 1920 but resigned upon hearing of nationalist turmoil in India.

Role in Indian National Congress

Netaji joined the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, working closely with Chittaranjan Das. As a youth educator and commandant of the Bengal Congress volunteers, he started the newspaper 'Swaraj.' Elected president of the Indian National Congress in 1938, he formed a national planning committee, advocating broad industrialization, which led to a rift with Gandhian economic thought.

Formation of Forward Bloc

In 1939, Netaji was elected president again and formed the Forward Bloc, emphasizing leftist views within the Congress party. The Forward Bloc aimed to unite radical elements for India's complete independence with principles of equality and social justice.

Indian National Army (INA) - Azad Hind Fauj

During World War II, Netaji escaped to Germany in 1941 and arrived in Singapore to lead the Indian Independence League and rebuild the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj). On October 21, 1943, he proclaimed the formation of the provisional government of independent India in Singapore. The Azad Hind Fauj comprised about 45,000 soldiers and played a crucial role in attempting to liberate India.

Legacy and Contributions

Netaji's vision extended to social justice, complete independence, and unity. He became the first Indian to travel in a submarine during World War II, showcasing his indomitable spirit. Despite reported death in a plane crash after Japan's surrender, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's legacy lives on. His contributions to India's freedom struggle, symbolized by the Azad Hind Fauj's unity and heroism, remain integral to the nation's history.