To commemorate ‘Prakram Diwas’, marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Union Culture Ministry has proposed a series of cultural activities, including a mega exhibition and a drone show, to narrate the life and legacy of the legendary freedom fighter on two islets of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.The exhibition will also feature books on Bose. The three-day commemorative event will begin on January 23 on two islands — Sri Vijaya Puram and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. A wide range of archival material will be on display, including historical documents, rare photographs of the INA, and other significant records related to Bose.
Subhash Chandra Bose, popularly known by his sobriquet, Netaji, stands as one of the most prominent, engimatic and charismatic leaders in India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. His lifelong devotion to India’s independence, his ability to rally the masses, and his cosmopolitan outlook set him apart as a revolutionary patriot and a towering personality in Indian history.
Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, then part of the Bengal Presidency, to Bengali parents Prabhabati Dutt and Janakinath Bose
His Jayanti is celebrated as 'Parakram Diwas' on 23rd January.
Education
Bose was admitted to the Protestant European School in Cuttack and then shifted to the Ravenshaw Collegiate School. In 1916, he was expelled from Presidency College in Kolkata due to his nationalist activities.
Early life
In 1919, he had cleared the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination. Bose, however, resigned later.He was highly influenced by Vivekananda's teachings and considered him as his spiritual Guru.His political mentor was Chittaranjan Das.He worked as the editor for Das’s newspaper–Forward, and later started his own newspaper, Swaraj.
Role of Subhash Chandra Bose in India’s struggle for independence:
Political leadership: Subhash Chandra Bose played a very active role in India’s political life during most of the 1930’s. He was jailed in 1921-1922 because of his political activities.
Immediately upon his release, he organised the All-Bengal Young Men’s Conference.
He was twice elected President of the Indian National Congress (1938 and 1939).He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Bloc and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from British rule.
During his political career, India’s liberation from British rule remained Bose’s foremost political goal. By 1930, Bose had formulated the broad strategy to throw off the yoke of British imperialism and assume its rightful place as a leader in Asia.
Work with other nations: Both before and during the second world war, Bose worked tirelessly to secure German and Japanese support in freeing his beloved homeland of foreign rule.
The Indian National Army: In July 1943 in Singapore, with Japanese assistance, he reorganised and later led the Indian National Army. It was formed from Indian prisoners of war and plantation workers from British Malaya, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia, against British forces.
Azad Hind Government: With Japanese monetary, political, diplomatic and military assistance, he formed the Azad Hind Government in exile.
Mass mobilisation: Subhash Chandra Bose played an important role in mass mobilisation and rousing feeling of independence among them. Realising that manpower was India’s greatest resource, he proclaimed that all Indians should actively participate in the fight for freedom. With the formation of provincial government of Azad Hind, he appealed directly for total mobilisation to the mass of Indians.
Women mobilisation: Bose called on both men and women for freedom struggle. Bose believed that women were equals of men, and should therefore be likewise prepared to fight and sacrifice for India’s liberation. Throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s he had campaigned in India to bring women more fully into the freedom struggle of the nation. After his return to Asia in 1943 he called on women to serve as soldiers in the Indian National Army. A women’s regiment (Rani of Jhansi Regiment) was formed in 1943, and came to number about 1,000 women.
Youth leadership: Bose was also deeply committed to the youth movement. Convinced that young people were by nature idealistic, restless and open to new ideas, Bose worked with and put efforts to the new Youth Leagues that were formed in a number of provinces during the 1920’s. He motivated youth to join the cause of Indian freedom struggle. Bose believed that India’s liberation would be achieved only through the efforts and sacrifices of the conscious younger generation
Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose :Ideologies
Similarities in ideologies:
Both personalities considered socialism to be the way forward in Independent India.They both were religious men and disliked communism.They worked against untouchability and spoke for women’s emancipation.
Differences in ideologies:
Non-Violence versus Militant Approach:
Gandhi was a firm believer in ahimsa and satyagraha while, for Bose Gandhi’s strategy based on non-violence would be inadequate for securing India’s independence. For Bose, violent resistance alone could oust the alien imperialist rule from India.
Means and Ends:
Bose had his eye on the result of the action. He had no moral issue in taking the help of the Nazis, Fascists or later of Imperial Japan.
But for Gandhiji one could not just use any means to achieve an end however desirable that end may be
Form of Government:
In early writings Bose expressed the opinion that democracy was the acceptable political system for India. But later, he seemed to have veered towards the idea that, at least in the beginning, a democratic system would not be adequate for the process of nation rebuilding and the eradication of poverty and social inequalityGandhi’s idealised state, Ramrajya did not need a representative government, a constitution, an army or a police force. Gandhi was opposed to centralisation.
Militarism:
Subhas Bose was deeply attracted to military discipline while Gandhiji was against the military on the whole. His Ramrajya was built on the concept of truth and non-violence and self-regulation
Ideas on Economy:
Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj had its own brand of economic vision. He wanted a decentralised economy without state control while Bose was in favour of large industrialisation for India.
Education:
Gandhi was against the English system of education as also against the use of English as a medium of instruction.Subhash Bose was for higher education, especially in the technical and scientific fields, as he wanted an industrial India.
Impact of Subhash Chandra Bose on Today’s Youth
The legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose continues to hold deep relevance for today’s youth, especially in a rapidly changing world where leadership, courage, and purpose are more important than ever. Netaji was not just a freedom fighter; he was a youth icon who believed in action, discipline, and fearless commitment to one’s goals.
One of the most powerful aspects of Bose’s influence on youth is his emphasis on courage and self-belief. At a young age, he made bold decisions—resigning from the prestigious Indian Civil Services and choosing a path of struggle for India’s independence. This teaches young people today that true success is not always about comfort or security, but about following one’s purpose with conviction.
Bose also strongly believed in the power of youth as agents of change. He mobilized thousands of young Indians through the Indian National Army (INA), inspiring them to actively participate in the freedom movement rather than remain passive observers. His leadership proved that when youth are guided with a clear vision, they can transform the course of history.
In modern times, this message is highly relevant. India has a large youth population, and leaders across the country continue to emphasize that young people must take responsibility for addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and social injustice. Bose’s ideals encourage youth to step forward, take initiative, and contribute to nation-building rather than waiting for change to happen.
Another important lesson from Bose is discipline and dedication. His famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” was not merely about sacrifice but about total commitment to a cause. Today’s youth can apply this mindset to their own lives—whether in education, entrepreneurship, or social work. Success requires focus, resilience, and the willingness to overcome challenges.
Bose’s vision also promotes national pride combined with global outlook. He sought international alliances and understood the importance of strategic thinking. For young people today, this translates into balancing patriotism with global awareness—being proud of one’s roots while engaging with the world.
Moreover, Bose stood for unity beyond divisions. He believed in an India free from discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. This message is crucial in today’s society, where youth must play a key role in promoting inclusivity and harmony.
In conclusion, Subhash Chandra Bose’s life is a timeless source of inspiration for youth. His courage, leadership, and vision remind young people that they have the power to shape not only their own future but also the future of the nation. By adopting his values of action, discipline, and patriotism, today’s youth can become the driving force behind a stronger and more progressive India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What made Subhash Chandra Bose different from other freedom fighters?
Subhash Chandra Bose believed in a more direct and militant approach to independence. Unlike many leaders, he focused on armed struggle and international alliances to defeat British rule.
2. What was the Indian National Army (INA) and why was it important?
The Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, was a military force led by Bose to fight against British rule. It played a crucial role in inspiring Indians and challenging British authority, even though it faced military setbacks.
3. How did Subhash Chandra Bose rebuild and strengthen the INA?
When Bose took charge in 1943, he reorganized the INA, boosted morale, and increased its strength significantly by gaining support from Indians living abroad.
4. What was the Azad Hind Government established by Bose?
The Azad Hind Government was a provisional government formed by Bose in 1943 to represent an independent India and gain international recognition for the freedom movement.
5. Why did Subhash Chandra Bose seek help from foreign countries?
Bose believed that international support was necessary to defeat British rule. He sought alliances with countries like Germany and Japan to strengthen India’s fight for independence.
6. What was the outcome of the INA’s military campaigns?
Although the INA could not achieve military victory, its campaigns had a strong psychological impact and weakened British control by inspiring resistance within India.
7. What is the lasting legacy of Subhash Chandra Bose’s freedom struggle?
Bose’s efforts left a lasting impact by promoting courage, unity, and sacrifice. His leadership and the INA movement contributed to weakening British authority and accelerating India’s path to independence.
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