Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. He was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, and his birth anniversary is celebrated as Parakram Diwas or Courage Day. This year, Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2024 holds even greater significance, marking the 127th anniversary of the iconic freedom fighter’s birth. Across the nation, people will pay their respects to Netaji, remembering his unwavering dedication to India’s liberation and his extraordinary life. On this occasion, let us look at some of the interesting facts about Netaji that showcase his life, achievements, and legacy.
1. He was a brilliant student who topped the Indian Civil Service exam
Subhas Chandra Bose was a bright student who excelled in his studies. He completed his BA in Philosophy from the Presidency College in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and secured the second position in the university. His father sent him to England to appear for the Indian Civil Service exam, which he cleared with the fourth rank in 1920. However, he resigned from the prestigious service in 1921 and returned to India to join the freedom movement¹.
2. He was mentored by Chittaranjan Das and started his own newspapers
Subhas Chandra Bose worked under the guidance of Chittaranjan Das, a prominent Congress leader who left the party to form the Swaraj Party in 1922. Bose became the president of the All India Youth Congress Committee and the secretary of the Bengal State Congress. He also started his own newspapers, Swaraj and Forward, to propagate his nationalist views¹.
3. He was elected as the Congress president twice and clashed with Gandhi
Subhas Chandra Bose rose to prominence in the Congress and was elected as the president of the party twice, in 1938 and 1939. However, he had ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other senior leaders over the methods and goals of the freedom struggle. He advocated for a more radical and militant approach, while Gandhi favoured non-violence and civil disobedience. Bose resigned from the Congress presidency in 1939 after losing a vote of confidence².
4. He escaped from house arrest and travelled across continents
Subhas Chandra Bose was placed under house arrest by the British authorities in 1941, but he managed to escape in a daring and adventurous manner. He disguised himself as a Muslim cleric and travelled by train to Peshawar (now in Pakistan). From there, he crossed the border to Afghanistan and then reached the Soviet Union. He later travelled to Germany, where he met Adolf Hitler and sought his support for India’s independence³.
5. He was given the title of Netaji by the Indian soldiers in Germany
Subhas Chandra Bose was conferred with the title of Netaji, meaning revered leader, by the Indian soldiers and officials in Germany. He established the Special Bureau for India in Berlin and recruited Indian prisoners of war to form the Free India Legion, an armed force that fought alongside the German army in World War II. He also broadcasted his speeches and messages to India through the Azad Hind Radio⁴.
6. He founded the Indian National Army and the provisional government of Free India
Subhas Chandra Bose left Germany in 1943 and reached Japan, where he took charge of the Indian National Army (INA), a military force composed of Indian soldiers and civilians in Southeast Asia. He reorganized and expanded the INA and launched a military campaign against the British in Burma and India. He also established the provisional government of Free India or Azad Hind in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were captured by the Japanese forces. He declared war on Britain and the United States and sought recognition from other countries⁵.
7. He coined the famous slogan “Jai Hind” and inspired millions of Indians
Subhas Chandra Bose popularized the slogan “Jai Hind”, meaning victory to India, as a salutation and a war cry for the INA and the Indian people. He also gave the famous call “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom” and inspired millions of Indians to join the freedom struggle. He instilled a sense of pride and patriotism among the masses and mobilized them to fight for their rights and dignity.
8. He was a visionary leader who advocated for social justice and equality
Subhas Chandra Bose was a visionary leader who had a progressive and egalitarian outlook. He advocated for social justice and equality for all sections of the society, irrespective of caste, religion, or gender. He opposed the caste system and untouchability and supported the emancipation of women. He appointed women as officers and combatants in the INA and formed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-female unit. He also envisioned a free and democratic India with a socialist and secular constitution.
9. He died in a mysterious plane crash and his ashes are kept in Japan
Subhas Chandra Bose is believed to have died in a plane crash on 18 August 1945 near Taihoku (now Taipei) in Taiwan. However, there are many controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding his death, as his body was never recovered and his family and followers claimed that he survived and lived in hiding. The Government of India set up several committees to investigate the matter, but the mystery remains unsolved. His ashes are reportedly kept in the Renkoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan.
10. He is honoured and remembered as one of the greatest sons of India
Subhas Chandra Bose is honoured and remembered as one of the greatest sons of India and a national hero. His contribution to the freedom struggle and his legacy are celebrated and commemorated by the Indian government and people. His birth anniversary is observed as Parakram Diwas or Courage Day since 2021. His portrait was unveiled in the Central Hall of the Parliament in 2021. His slogans and songs are still chanted and sung by the Indians. His life and works are depicted in various books, films, and documentaries.
Subhas Chandra Bose was not just a freedom fighter; he was a visionary leader, a strategist, and a symbol of India’s unwavering spirit. As we celebrate Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti 2024, let us remember not just his extraordinary life but also his message of unity, courage, and unwavering dedication to a cause. By keeping his flame alive, we can continue to work towards the India that Netaji envisioned – a free, prosperous, and just nation.
