Subhas Chandra Bose, known to millions as “Netaji,” was a revolutionary leader whose contributions to India’s independence movement are legendary. Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha (then in Bengal Presidency), to a prominent lawyer, Janakinath Bose, and Prabhavati Devi, Bose was the ninth of fourteen children. His academic prowess was evident from a young age; he graduated from the University of Calcutta and went on to England, where he joined Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and passed the rigorous Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination. However, deeply moved by the plight of his fellow Indians under British rule, Bose made the radical decision to resign from the ICS in 1921, choosing instead to dedicate his life to India’s freedom.
Upon returning to India, Bose joined the Indian National Congress (INC), then the primary organization for India’s struggle for independence. A charismatic and forceful speaker, he quickly gained popularity, aligning with the younger and more radical members of the Congress, including Jawaharlal Nehru. Bose’s ideology, however, differed significantly from the dominant leadership, particularly with Mahatma Gandhi, whose approach was rooted in non-violence and gradual reform. Bose believed in the necessity of direct action and, if necessary, armed resistance against British colonial rule. This ideological difference became a source of tension within the Congress, with Bose championing a more assertive approach.
Despite his differences with Gandhi, Bose’s leadership skills earned him the respect of his peers, and he was elected President of the Congress in 1938. He served with a progressive agenda, emphasizing economic self-sufficiency, labor rights, and technological advancements. His re-election in 1939, however, intensified the divide between him and the Congress’s conservative wing, leading to his resignation from the party. After stepping down, Bose formed the Forward Bloc, a faction within the Congress that promoted his vision of radical, uncompromising nationalism.
During World War II, Bose saw an opportunity to enlist international support against the British. Under house arrest in India, he managed a daring escape in 1941, eventually reaching Germany, where he sought support from Adolf Hitler. Though initially welcomed, Bose became disillusioned with Germany’s tepid support and its limited plans for India. He subsequently moved to Japan, where he received a warmer reception and set about organizing the Indian National Army (INA). Comprised largely of Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese from British regiments, the INA became a symbol of armed resistance against British rule. Bose’s famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” became a rallying cry, inspiring many to join the INA.
Under Bose’s leadership, the INA fought alongside Japanese forces in campaigns in Burma (Myanmar) and attempted to advance into India through the northeastern borders. However, due to poor logistics, limited resources, and fierce resistance from British-led Allied forces, the INA’s campaign eventually failed. As the tide of World War II turned against Japan, the INA faced setbacks, and Bose’s dreams of liberating India through an armed struggle began to fade.
On August 18, 1945, it was reported that Bose had died in a plane crash in Taiwan. However, the circumstances of his death remain one of modern India’s greatest mysteries. Numerous theories and investigations have questioned the official account, with some suggesting that he survived and lived incognito. His death remains a topic of speculation, with several government commissions set up post-independence to probe the truth behind his disappearance.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Bose’s legacy as a fierce patriot and revolutionary hero endures in India’s national consciousness. He is celebrated for his unwavering dedication, courage, and his belief in a strong, self-reliant India free from colonial influence. His formation of the INA, though unsuccessful militarily, served as a powerful symbol of resistance and is credited with inspiring a generation of freedom fighters. His life, marked by sacrifice and determination, continues to inspire millions in India and around the world. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose remains an emblem of indomitable will, a leader who refused to compromise his ideals, and a patriot who lived – and perhaps died – for his vision of an independent India.
Very good