SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, also called Parakram Diwas, is observed on the day of Netaji’s birthday. In honor of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s spirit and selfless service, the Indian government has proclaimed January 23rd to be “Parakram Diwas.”

Early Life and Education

  • Birth: 23rd January 1897, Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province.
  • Parents: Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose.
  • Education:
    • Early schooling at Ravenshaw Collegiate School.
    • Presidency College, Calcutta; expelled due to nationalist activities.
    • University of Cambridge, U.K.
    • Cleared Indian Civil Services (ICS) in 1920; resigned to serve India’s freedom struggle.
  • Influences:
    • Spiritual Guru: Swami Vivekananda.
    • Political Mentor: Chittaranjan Das.

Political Journey

  • 1921: He took over the editorship of ‘Forward’, newspaper of Swaraj Party.
  • 1923:
    • President of All India Youth Congress.
    • Secretary of Bengal State Congress.
  • 1930: Elected Mayor of Calcutta.
  • 1938: President, Indian National Congress (Haripura).
  • 1939:
    • Re-elected President (Tripuri); resigned due to ideological differences with Gandhi.
    • Founded the All India Forward Bloc for consolidating political left.

Key Contributions to Freedom Struggle

  • Role in Congress:
    • Stood for unqualified Swaraj (self-governance).
    • Opposed the Nehru Report advocating dominion status.
    • Participated in Salt Satyagraha and opposed Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
  • Trade Union Movements:
    • Promoted trade unionism; President, AITUC (1930).
  • Civil Disobedience:
    • Imprisoned multiple times.
    • Escaped house arrest during WWII.

Formation of Indian National Army (INA)

  • Escape to Europe and Asia:
    • Fled to Berlin via Afghanistan.
    • Sought support from Hitler and Mussolini.
    • Formed the Indian Legion from POWs (prisoners of war) in Europe.
  • Japanese Collaboration:
    • Reached Singapore in 1943.
    • Formed Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) and INA.
  • Slogans:
    • “Jai Hind.”
    • “Dilli Chalo.”
    • “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”
  • Military Campaign:
    • INA fought alongside Axis forces against British.
    • Achieved partial successes but ultimately subdued due to WWII circumstances.
  • Death: Plane crash, 18th August 1945, in Formosa (Taiwan).

Azad Hind Government

  • Berlin Efforts:
    • Established Free India Centre and Azad Hind Radio.
    • Called Gandhi the “Father of the Nation.”
  • Provisional Government:
    • Declared formation on 21st October 1943, Singapore.
    • Received diplomatic recognition from Axis powers.

Legacy

  • Revered for his unyielding patriotism and visionary leadership.
  • Bridged ideological differences to mobilize diverse sections for India’s independence.
  • Cemented his place as one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters.

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