Essay on Subhash Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose: The Brave Leader of India
Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was one of the most famous and brave leaders in India’s freedom struggle. He devoted his whole life to India’s independence and inspired millions with his courage and strong will. Unlike many other leaders who believed in non-violence, Bose thought that India could only become free through strong action and sacrifice. His life story is full of dedication, bravery, and love for his country.
Early Life and Education
Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, a city in Odisha. His father, Janakinath Bose, was a well-known lawyer, and his mother, Prabhavati Devi, was a kind and religious woman. Subhas was the ninth child in a large family.
From his childhood, he was a hardworking and intelligent student. He studied at Ravenshaw Collegiate School and later at Presidency College in Calcutta. Even as a young man, he had a strong sense of pride and self-respect. In 1916, he was expelled from college for protesting against a British professor who insulted Indian students. This showed how brave and outspoken he was, even as a student.
In 1919, Bose went to England to prepare for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination. He passed the exam with very good marks, but he did not want to work for the British government. He felt that serving the British was against his love for India. So, in 1921, he resigned from his post before even starting his job. This was a very bold step and showed his deep commitment to the nation.
Beginning of Political Career
After returning to India, Subhas Chandra Bose joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and started working for India’s independence. He became a follower of Chittaranjan Das, a respected leader who guided him in politics. Bose soon became popular among young Indians because of his energy and strong ideas.
He became the Chief Executive Officer of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation and later served as the city’s Mayor. During this time, he worked to improve the welfare of the people and civic facilities. Bose believed that India needed strong leadership and unity to fight against British rule.
He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who inspired him to serve the nation with discipline and courage. Bose believed that India must achieve freedom not by requests or petitions but by direct struggle.
Differences with Other Leaders
Subhas Chandra Bose was a part of the Congress Party, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders who believed in non-violence. But Bose had different views. He respected Gandhi but disagreed with his method of peaceful protest. Bose felt that the British would never leave India unless they were forced to. He believed that India needed an army and strong organization to fight them.
In 1938, he became the President of the Indian National Congress at the Haripura Session. He spoke about industrial development and national planning to make India self-reliant. The next year, he was again elected President, but this time he faced opposition from Gandhi and other senior leaders. Due to these differences, he resigned from the Congress and started a new party called the Forward Bloc in 1939. The Forward Bloc aimed to unite all freedom fighters who wanted complete and immediate independence.
Escape from India and World War II
When World War II started, Bose saw an opportunity to use the situation to India’s advantage. The British considered him dangerous and placed him under house arrest in 1940. But in 1941, he made a daring escape from his house in disguise. He traveled secretly through Afghanistan and Russia before reaching Germany.
In Germany, he sought help from countries that were fighting against Britain. He formed the Free India Centre and created the Indian Legion, made up of Indian soldiers captured by the Germans. But when he realized that Germany could not help much, he went to Japan, where he got stronger support for his mission.
Indian National Army (INA)
In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose took charge of the Indian National Army (INA) in Singapore. The INA had been formed earlier by Indian soldiers who had been captured by Japan during the war. Under Bose’s leadership, the army became a powerful force with thousands of soldiers. He was given the title Netaji, which means “Respected Leader.”
Bose also formed the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) on October 21, 1943. This government had its own flag, currency, and national anthem. The INA’s famous slogan was “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
With the help of Japanese forces, the INA fought battles against the British in Burma and India. They reached the borders of India, capturing some parts of Manipur and Nagaland. However, the campaign failed due to bad weather, shortage of supplies, and Japan’s defeat in the war. Even though the INA could not win militarily, it awakened a sense of courage and nationalism among Indians.
Mysterious Death
After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Bose tried to escape to another country to continue his fight. Unfortunately, according to reports, he died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945. However, there was no clear proof of his death, and many people believed that he was still alive. Over the years, several inquiries were made, but the truth remains a mystery.
Bose’s Vision and Ideas
Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a freedom fighter but also a visionary thinker. He wanted India to be modern, strong, and self-reliant. He believed that education, industry, and scientific progress were necessary for the nation’s growth. Bose also supported equality among all people, regardless of religion, caste, or gender.
He strongly believed that women should play an equal role in nation-building. To promote this, he created the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, a women’s wing of the INA. His ideas of unity, discipline, and sacrifice are still relevant in today’s India.
His slogans, like “Jai Hind” and “It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom”, became powerful symbols of patriotism and are still remembered with pride.
Legacy and Impact
Although Bose did not live to see India become free, his efforts had a lasting impact. The bravery of the INA soldiers inspired many Indians and even influenced the British Indian Army. The INA trials and the Naval Mutiny of 1946 showed how deeply his spirit had spread among Indians, which helped speed up India’s independence in 1947.
Today, Subhas Chandra Bose is remembered as one of the greatest sons of India. His birthday, January 23, is celebrated as Parakram Diwas (Day of Courage) to honor his bravery and leadership. Statues, roads, and educational institutions across the country bear his name as a mark of respect.
Conclusion
Subhas Chandra Bose was a true patriot who devoted every moment of his life to India’s freedom. His courage, leadership, and vision made him one of the greatest leaders in history. Though his methods were different, his love for India was unmatched.
Netaji’s life teaches us that freedom demands courage, unity, and sacrifice. He will always be remembered as a hero who inspired a nation to dream of independence and to believe in its own strength. His famous words, “Jai Hind,” continue to remind us of the spirit of a free and united India.
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