Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a luminary in India’s fight for independence, is commemorated every year on January 23 as ‘Parakram Diwas’ or Courage Day. This day marks the 127th Birth Anniversary, a pivotal figure who laid the foundation for the modern Indian state. Born in Cuttack, Odisha, in 1897, his journey from a bright student to a rebel against British rule shaped the course of India’s history. In this exploration, we delve into the life, contributions, and inspirational quotes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, paying homage to his enduring legacy.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Born as the ninth child of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose displayed academic brilliance from an early age. His pursuit of education led him to complete his BA in Philosophy from the Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Sent to England for the Civil Services Examination, Bose excelled, securing the highest marks in English and ranking fourth overall.
A Rebel Emerges: His Return to India
In 1921, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Indian Civil Service and returned to India. His confrontations with the British authorities marked him as a rebel, earning notoriety from the colonial government. Working under the mentorship of Congress leader Chittaranjan Das, Bose played a significant role in the formation of the Swaraj Party in 1922. He ventured into journalism, starting the newspaper Swaraj and serving as the editor of the Forward, a publication initiated by Chittaranjan Das.
Political Ascendancy and Civic Leadership
Netaji’s political journey gained momentum as he was elected the President of the All India Youth Congress Committee and the Secretary of the Bengal State Congress in 1923. His influence extended to civic leadership when he briefly served as the mayor of Calcutta in 1930. These roles marked the early phases of Bose’s transformative impact on India’s political landscape.
The Formation of Indian National Army (INA)
The year 1942 witnessed a defining moment as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Indian National Army (INA) in Southeast Asia with the assistance of Japan. Comprising Indian soldiers captured by the British Indian army in war, the INA emerged as a formidable force against British rule. Netaji went on to establish the provisional government of Free India or Azad Hind in 1943 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then under Japanese occupation.
The legacy of Netaji is shrouded in mystery due to the circumstances surrounding his death. It is believed that he died in a plane crash shortly after take-off. The Government of India, acknowledging the significance of his contributions, has conducted multiple investigations into the events leading to Netaji’s demise.
‘Netaji’ – Revered Leader: A Title Bestowed
The title ‘Netaji,’ translating to ‘Revered Leader’ in Hindi, was bestowed upon Subhas Chandra Bose by German and Indian officials at the Special Bureau of India in Berlin. This recognition reflected the profound impact of Netaji’s leadership on both national and international fronts.
Inspirational Quotes by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
As we commemorate his birth anniversary, his words continue to inspire generations. Here are some of his powerful quotes:
- “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”
- “Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible.”
- “Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
- “It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength.”
- “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
Parakram Diwas Celebrations and Bharat Parv
In honor of Netaji’s birth anniversary, ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations will be held at Red Fort, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event will also mark the launch of Bharat Parv, a nine-day celebration showcasing India’s rich diversity and various cultural facets. The festivities will take place at Ram Leela Maidan and the Madhav Das Park in front of the Red Fort.
The celebrations on Parakram Diwas transcend historical reflections and delve into the profound legacy of Netaji and the Azad Hind Fauj. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to honor luminaries who played a significant role in the freedom struggle resonates through the commemoration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the life and contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom struggle remain etched in the annals of history. The enigmatic leader, whose actions spoke louder than words, continues to inspire millions. On Parakram Diwas, we not only honor Netaji but also renew our commitment to the ideals he stood for – courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Netaji’s legacy lives on, inspiring generations to come.