India is celebrating the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today on January 23. Two years ago in 2021, the Government of India designated the day as the annual celebration of ‘Parakram Divas’ to honor Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless contribution to India’s freedom movement. Moreover, the purpose of the day is to instill a sense of patriotism in the hearts of Indian citizens, especially the younger generation, and encourage them to act with courage when facing challenges as Netaji did.
Bose, fondly known as Netaji, was a prominent figure involved in India’s freedom struggle. He was born in Cuttack (now Odisha) on 23 January 1897 to Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Dutta. From childhood, he was determined for independent from the British Empire. He actively participated in several local movements and protests before joining the Indian National Congress. He took the responsibilities of President of the Indian National Congress from 1938 to 1939.
However, Bose’s ideas were quite different from those of other leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. While Gandhiji was promoting his ideology of non-violence, Netaji believed that only blood could bring freedom. “Give me your blood, I will give you freedom,” he said in an attempt to inspire the countrymen. After breaking with the Congress, Netaji used to give motivational speeches on Free India Radio, which he founded with the help of German.
Bose aimed to free India from the British during the World War. He established the Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army in an attempt to strengthen the people’s power. He traveled to many countries and met powerful leaders seeking their help in overthrowing British rule from the country. He visited Nazi Germany, Soviet Union and Imperial Germany during World War II to find ways to free India from British rule.
How Nejaji died remains a mystery. According to official records, he died of third-degree burns in a plane crash in Taiwan. It is generally accepted that Bose breathed his last on 18 August 1945 after a plane crash in Taiwan. However, others believe he survived the crash and went into hiding to avoid the British.
