Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stands as one of the most revered figures in India’s struggle for independence. Educated in England, he was deeply influenced by the radical ideologies that challenged British colonial rule. His leadership of the Indian National Army (INA) and his famous call to arms, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” inspired countless Indians to join the fight against British rule. Bose’s bold strategies and his unwavering commitment to India’s sovereignty left an indelible mark on the history of the Indian independence movement.
Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence, widely regarded as one of the country’s most formidable liberation fighters. Subash Chandra Bose is credited with establishing the Indian National Army. Commonly referred to as the ‘Azad Hind Fauj’. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited London during the pre-independence era to engage in discussions on India’s future with members of the Labour Party.
Biography of Subhash Chandra Bose
Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, to parents Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi. Subhash Chandra Bose exhibited exceptional intellect and dedication as a student; however, he did not possess a strong inclination towards sports. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Presidency College in Calcutta. The teachings of Swami Vivekananda had a significant impact on him, and as a student, people noticed his strong sense of patriotism. He held great admiration for Vivekananda as his spiritual mentor.
Commencement of Subhash Chandra Bose’s resistance against the British In 1916, it is stated that Subhash physically assaulted one of his British professors, EF Otten. The professor uttered a racially discriminatory comment directed at the Indian pupils. Consequently, Subhash Chandra Bose was ousted from the Presidency College and exiled from Calcutta University. In December 1921, Bose was apprehended and incarcerated for orchestrating a boycott of the festivities commemorating the arrival of the Prince of Wales to India. Subhash Chandra Bose’s father aspired for him to pursue a career in the civil service, so he arranged for him to travel to England to take the Indian Civil Service Examination. Bose achieved the fourth position with the highest score in English. However, Bose’s strong desire to participate in the liberation fight was so powerful that in April 1921, he voluntarily resigned from the prestigious Indian Civil Service and returned to India. Shortly thereafter, he departed from his residence to actively participate in India’s struggle for freedom. Subsequently, he became a member of the Indian National Congress and was subsequently elected as the party’s president.
Subhash Chandra Bose’s association with the Congress
Subhash Chandra Bose collaborated with Chittaranjan Das, a prominent Congress member in Calcutta. Chittaranjan Das, in collaboration with Motilal Nehru, departed from the Congress and established the Swaraj Party in 1922. Subhash considered Chittaranjan Das to be his political mentor. While Chittaranjan Das was occupied with formulating the national policy, Subhash Chandra Bose significantly contributed to enlightening the students, youths, and labourers of Calcutta. He was anxiously anticipating the opportunity to witness India as a sovereign, federal, and republican nation.
Comparison between Subhash Chandra Bose and the Congress
Subhash Chandra Bose emerged as a formidable leader inside the Congress party and made a courageous endeavour to reshape the party’s whole structure. Saubhashbabu opposed Gandhi’s philosophy. The Congress party has consistently opposed his ideas, insulted him, and curtailed his ambitions. Traditionally, the position of Mahatma Gandhi’s closest assistant was often filled through elections. However, in this instance, Subhash Chandra Bose was chosen with a greater number of votes. This humiliated the Gandhi group, which resulted in their diminished enthusiasm for the political campaigns advocating for independence. He made the decision to recruit soldiers from other sources in order to achieve freedom.
Creation of Hind Fouj
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose vehemently opposed providing any form of assistance to the British during World War II. In September 1939, the second World War commenced, and as anticipated by Bose, India was officially designated as a belligerent nation (on behalf of the British) by the Governor General without seeking input from Indian officials. The Congress party held authority in seven prominent states, and all state governments relinquished their positions as a form of protest. Subhash Chandra Bose initiated a large-scale campaign against the utilisation of Indian resources and manpower for the big war. In November 1941, his transmission via German radio caused a profound impact on the British and greatly inspired the Indian population, who became aware that their leader was devising a comprehensive strategy to liberate their homeland. Germany, as the principal force behind the Axis forces, provided military assistance and other forms of support to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in his war against the British. At the same time, Japan had emerged as a formidable global power and had taken control of important territories in Asia that belonged to the Dutch, French, and British.
Netaji Bose had formed an alliance with Germany and Japan. He received a cordial welcome in Japan and was appointed as the leader of the Indian army, which comprised approximately 40,000 soldiers from Singapore and other eastern areas. Rash Behari Bose, another well-known revolutionary, brought these warriors together. Rash Behari relinquished them to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Netaji Bose referred to it as the Indian National Army (INA), and on October 21, 1943, a government named ‘Azad Hind Government’ was officially proclaimed. INA liberated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from British rule and thereafter renamed them Swaraj and Shaheed Islands. Subhash Chandra Bose aimed to liberate India from the Eastern Front. The Indian National Army (INA) advanced into Burma and successfully seized Coxtown, which is on the Indian border. An emotional scene unfolded as the soldiers entered their liberated homeland. The rallying call was “Delhi Chalo,” meaning “Let’s march to Delhi.” The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had a profound impact on the course of human history. Japan was compelled to capitulate. The impact of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s previous trips to England
While in England, he had meetings with prominent figures from the British Labour Party and influential political intellectuals such as Clement Attlee, Arthur Greenwood, Harold Laski, G.D.H. Cole, and Sir Stafford Cripps. Bose also engages in discussions with them regarding the future of India. It is important to mention that India achieved independence under the rule of the Labour Party (1945–1951), under the leadership of Prime Minister Attlee.
The vanishing of Subhash Chandra Bose
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s demise was widely believed to have occurred in a plane crash, with his remains never being found. In May 1956, the Shah Nawaz Committee conducted a visit to Japan to investigate the circumstances surrounding the presumed death of Bose.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy is a testament to his undying love for his country and his unwavering belief in its potential for self-governance. His innovative military tactics and his ability to galvanise Indians across the world were pivotal in intensifying the struggle for independence. Though his life was cut short under mysterious circumstances in 1945, Bose’s vision and spirit continue to inspire future generations. His story is not just one of valiant struggle but also of the enduring hope and resilience that defined India’s journey to freedom.