India is celebrating the 76th Republic Day, a momentous occasion for every Indian. This freedom was hard-won, with millions of courageous individuals sacrificing their lives for it. Today, we pay tribute to one such valiant leader, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary

Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent figure in the freedom movement, was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha. His father, Janakinath Bose, was a well-known lawyer, while his mother was Prabhavati Devi. Subhas received his early education at Presidency College and Scottish Church College in Calcutta. He then moved to Britain to prepare for the Indian Civil Services (ICS), passing the ICS examination in 1920. However, upon clearing the exam, Subhas chose to resign from the ICS. His father, who had always supported his aspirations, encouraged him, stating that as he had pledged to serve the country, he should remain steadfast in that commitment.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 sent shockwaves through the entire nation, prompting the youth to rise in support of Mahatma Gandhi. During this tumultuous period, Subhas Chandra Bose also joined the freedom struggle. In a symbolic act of defiance against the British oppressive policies, his father returned the title of 'Rai Bahadur'.

Indian National Congress

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose then joined the Indian National Congress, where he made significant contributions. After serving as the General Secretary of the Congress in December 1927, he was elected as the Congress President in 1938. Historians suggest that Netaji did not fully align with Gandhiji’s philosophy of non-violence, which made him a popular figure among the more passionate revolutionaries. Despite their differing approaches to achieving independence, Netaji and Mahatma Gandhi held mutual respect for one another. During the 1938 Congress session, Netaji remarked that he wished to fight for India's freedom under Gandhiji's leadership, stating, "Our fight is not only against British imperialism but against world imperialism."

However, Netaji eventually became disillusioned with the Congress Party. Historians believe that Mahatma Gandhi did not fully agree with Subhas Chandra Bose's views, which led to growing tensions within the party. Despite being the President of the Congress, Netaji faced opposition from Gandhiji and his close associates. This created an increasingly difficult environment for Netaji, and as a result, he resigned from the Congress on March 16, 1939.

Azad Hind Fauj

Subhas Chandra Bose then focused on organising the youth and providing a fresh direction to the freedom movement. This effort culminated in the 'Indian Independence Conference' held in Singapore on July 4, 1943. The following day, on July 5, 1943, the Azad Hind Fauj was formed. The Azad Hind Fauj was made up of 85,000 soldiers, and it also included a women's unit led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. Under Netaji's leadership, the Azad Hind Fauj played a crucial role in the struggle for India's independence. It was also during this time that Netaji used the iconic slogan "Jai Hind," which became a symbol of unity and patriotism in the fight for freedom.

The Second World War was ongoing at the time, and Netaji believed that India's independence could be achieved by aligning with Britain's enemies. The British government grew suspicious of his intentions and, as a result, placed him under house arrest in Kolkata. However, a few days later, Netaji managed to escape and made his way to Germany.

Netaji’s inspiring speech

On September 12, 1944, at Rangoon's Jubilee Hall, during the death anniversary commemoration of martyr Yatindra Das, Netaji delivered a profoundly inspiring speech, declaring that India's freedom was now certain. He emphasised that freedom demands sacrifice, famously saying, "Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi dunga,” meaning “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom." This powerful call resonated deeply with the youth of the nation, igniting their spirit. It is a phrase that is etched not only in the history of India but also in the annals of world history, written in golden letters.

On August 18, 1945, while en route to Tokyo, Netaji's plane crashed at Taihoku Airport, leading to his reported death. However, Subhas Chandra Bose's body was never found, sparking ongoing controversy and mystery surrounding the circumstances of his death.