On Netaji’s birth anniversary, we remember one of India’s greatest freedom fighters. His life reflected pride, discipline, and unwavering love for the motherland, from childhood to his mysterious end. Netaji was not just a political leader. He stood as a powerful symbol of resistance, bravery, and self-sacrifice.
Who is Netaji?
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha. He came from a well-educated and deeply nationalist family. His parents played a crucial role in shaping his character. They raised him with strong values of selflessness, discipline, and social responsibility.
As a student he continued to excel and became one of the most well-known and successful Indians in 1920 when he placed second in the prestigious “Indian Civil Services Examination”.
This was an incredible achievement for any Indian at that time and also a significant personal achievement for him.
It was during this period of his life, he was also very proud to know that he chose to leave the ICS and pursue the uncertain path of serving his nation, which he felt was of much greater importance than serving the Empire.
When he was mentoring under Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, Netaji began to develop his political career.
Chittaranjan Das was one of Netaji’s political gurus. His tenure as Mayor of Calcutta and as the President of Indian National Congress showed his popularity at handling administrative duties.
Netaji proved his strength by winning the Congress Presidency in 1938 again in 1939, despite opposition from senior leaders.
Netaji’s Eternal Devotion to Bharat
However, his ideological clash with Mahatma Gandhi and the rest of the Congress leadership regarding the way to achieve independence, led to his split from the Congress party.
This was a crucial turning point in his life. The boldest and most significant moment of Netaji’s life was when he escaped from being under house arrest in 1941.
Disguised, and with great determination, he passed through Afghanistan and the rest of Europe to ask for support from other countries in their fight against British imperialism.
This escape is one of the most exciting stories of India’s freedom struggle, it has also become one of India’s most historic and proudest moments.
From Courage to Sacrifice: The Life and Legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
The most remarkable accomplishment of Netaji followed with establishing and leading the Indian National Army (INA).
Bose returned to life through the creation of the INA. The re-establishing of the INA included taking from Southeast Asia Indians taken as Prisoners of War, as well as using Expatriates.
He made the famous statement: “Give me blood! and I shall give you freedom!” After establishing the INA, Bose’s soldiers fought alongside the Japanese Forces against the British.
In addition to fighting to free India from British Colonization and Control, Bose became a leader for the establishment of the Government of Azad Hind in 1943.
Indian Tricolour when hoisted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it marked a historic assertion of India’s Sovereignty even before formal Independence .
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership inspired the Indian National Army. The INA trials triggered nationwide outrage and seriously weakened British control over India.
Although Netaji did not achieve a military victory, he played a powerful role in India’s freedom struggle. His actions reshaped public opinion and strengthened nationalist unity.
The final chapter of Netaji’s life remains a mystery. Reports state that he died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.
Debate over his death continues even today. However, his legacy is unquestionable. Netaji left behind courage, iron discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the nation.
