Celebrating the 128th Birth Anniversary of India’s Iconic Freedom Fighter
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most influential freedom fighters, continues to inspire millions with his indomitable spirit and unparalleled contributions to the country’s independence movement. January 23 marks the 128th birth anniversary of this visionary leader, celebrated across India as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti or ‘Parakram Diwas’ (Courage Day). The day is a tribute to his enduring legacy and a call to emulate his courage and determination in the face of challenges.
Early Life and Education of Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, to Janakinath Bose, a prominent lawyer, and Prabhavati Devi, a devout homemaker. As the ninth child in the family, Subhas displayed exceptional academic brilliance from an early age. Subsequently, after completing his schooling, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata). His sharp intellect and disciplined nature, in turn, earned him respect among his peers and teachers.
In 1919, Subhas traveled to England to appear for the prestigious Indian Civil Services (ICS) Examination. True to his abilities, he excelled in the exam, securing the highest marks in English and ranking fourth overall. However, despite his success, Bose found his calling elsewhere. His strong sense of patriotism drove him to resign from the ICS in 1921, marking the beginning of his journey in India’s freedom struggle.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s Entry into the Freedom Struggle
Upon returning to India in 1921, Bose joined the Indian National Congress, marking the beginning of his active participation in the independence movement. He drew significant inspiration from Chittaranjan Das, a senior Congress leader, who became his mentor. Under Das’s guidance, Bose quickly rose through the ranks of the Congress and, in doing so, played a pivotal role in shaping the youth’s active involvement in the struggle for independence.
In 1923, Bose was elected President of the All-India Youth Congress and Secretary of the Bengal State Congress Committee. His dynamic leadership and ability to mobilize people earned him a reputation as a fearless revolutionary. His tenure as the Mayor of Calcutta in 1930 further demonstrated his commitment to serving the people and the cause of independence.
Political Ideology and Formation of the Indian National Army
Bose’s political ideologies often diverged from the mainstream Congress leadership, particularly regarding the approach to achieving independence. While the Congress leaned towards non-violent resistance, Bose strongly believed in more assertive measures. This ideological difference eventually led him to part ways with the Congress leadership in 1939.
Subhas Chandra Bose envisioned a united armed struggle against British rule. He established the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, with the goal of liberating India through military action. Collaborating with international powers such as Germany and Japan during World War II, Bose sought global support to overthrow British colonialism.
The INA became a symbol of courage and unity, inspiring thousands of Indians to join the fight for independence. Bose’s famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”, became a rallying cry for freedom fighters across the country.
Recognition of ‘Parakram Diwas’ and Legacy
In recognition of Subhas Chandra Bose’s invaluable contributions, the Government of India declared January 23 as ‘Parakram Diwas’ (Day of Courage) in 2021. This annual observance serves as a tribute to Netaji’s relentless efforts and aims to inspire the youth to adopt his fearless spirit in facing challenges.
Bose’s legacy, without a doubt, transcends time, continuously motivating generations of Indians to work towards a strong, independent, and united nation. Moreover, his vision of self-reliance, along with his unwavering emphasis on the sacrifices required for freedom, remains remarkably relevant even in today’s world.
Inspirational Quotes by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Netaji’s words continue to resonate with people across the globe. Here are some of his most memorable quotes:
- “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”
- “Freedom is not given; it is taken.”
- “Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible.”
- “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.”
Conclusion: A Timeless Legacy
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose undoubtedly remains a symbol of courage, determination, and patriotism. His visionary leadership, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom, continues to inspire generations. As we celebrate Parakram Diwas, it is essential that we honor his remarkable legacy by actively embodying his ideals of unity, resilience, and self-sacrifice.
By remembering Netaji’s life and contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to building a prosperous and independent India, just as he envisioned.
