SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE: LOOKING FOR INDIA’S ‘LOST’ LEADER, THE ‘FORGOTTEN’ HERO

Article contributed by Ms. Laiba Khan, Student BBA First Year

It was only thrice in the history of India’s 200-year-long freedom struggle that concerted efforts were made to win Independence by the ever rightful means of arms, blood and iron.

The first one in 1857 faulted for lack of coordination, support and leadership. Another effort in 1915 with German help at the height of World War I (the Indo-German Alliance) faulted for lack of an all-India coordination and some misfortune.

The last one, at the height of World War II, the groundwork of which was laid way back in the late 1930s itself, finally achieved its intended success; and few have left as indelible a mark as the man responsible for orchestrating it – a giant who strode across the Subcontinent like a Colossus during the War (Second World War) years. Yes, we are talking of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

But before we go into the details on his leadership qualities, here are a few basic facts on him.

He was the first President and Prime Minister of an independent India. Yes, you read it right.

On January 23, 1897, a great hero and patriot and a selfless leader of undivided India was born, who is popularly known as Netaji and his full name is Subhas Chandra Bose. Netaji’s patriotic feelings may be understood by this quotation, ‘You give me your blood and I will give you Independence!’ He stated if ‘you are willing to die for a cause without regard to your own wants or desires that is as close as you can get to invincibility. Even if your physical body is killed, your efforts and ideas will live on’. He was of the opinion that ‘Independence is rarely obtained through peaceful means. Conflict is often the only way to gain freedom or revolution’. And for this reason, Gandhiji and Netaji had differences.

Netaji Subhas’s heart and soul was Indian and he never tolerated any foreigner talking against Indians. Subhash Chandra was one of the greatest freedom-fighters and patriots and the Pride of Bengal. He became a legend in his life-time as a great leader, fiery orator and organiser. He was sent to prison eleven times during 1920-1941.

Subhash was a great adventurer as well. His military exploits, unmatched patriotism and exemplary bravery have made him a role model for the young men and women of India. He still lives within our hearts and minds and works as a leading light and source of inspiration. Had he been alive today, he would have given a new orientation and turn to our political and social life with his so charismatic personality and high sense of patriotism.

“By freedom I mean all-round freedom, i.e. freedom for the individual as well as for the society; freedom for the rich as well as for the poor; freedom for men as well as for women; freedom for all individuals and for all classes.” very well said by—Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

He was given the honorific ‘Netaji’ by German and Indian officials in the Special Bureau for India in Berlin. He is the creator of the slogan “Jai Hind”, which is a popular patriotic salutation in the country. Subhash Chandra Bose was the first person to address Mahatama Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation”.

The people of India fondly remember Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s unparalleled contribution to this great nation in his 125th birth anniversary. The Government of India has decided to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary year of Netaji beginning from January 2021 in a befitting manner at the national and international level,” the Ministry said.

Now, in order to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on the day of January every year as ‘PARAKRAM DIWAS” to inspire people of this country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour,” the government stated in its release.

In the recent past, the Government of India has taken several steps towards preserving and conserving the precious heritage of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A museum has been set up on Netaji at Red Fort, New Delhi, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 23.01.2019. 

A permanent exhibition and a Light and Sound show on ‘Netaji’ has been planned to be set up at Kolkata in the historic Victoria Memorial building.

In view of the announcement, it is also expected that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit West Bengal on January 23 to attend Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary celebrations at the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. 

The PM is also likely to visit the National Library located in Belvedere Estate, Alipore, according to the sources. Interestingly, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has announced to hold a ‘padyatra’ on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti.