Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti 2020: Biography and Contribution in Freedom Struggle

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23rd Jan, 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha to Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose. His father was a lawyer and also received the title of ‘Rai Bahadur’. Netaji did his schooling from Protestant European School (now Stewart High School) in Cuttack. Netaji joined the Scottish Church College at the University of Calcutta and completed his B.A. from philosophy in 1918.

Bose made a promise to his father to prepare and appear for the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination and went to the University of Cambridge, England to prepare for the same. Bose came fourth and passed the ICS exam in 1920. He resigned from the Civil Service job on 23rd April 1921 after hearing of Nationalist turmoil in India and returned back to home.

Formation of Indian National Congress or Azad Hind Fauj

In 1941, Subhash Chandra Bose was put under house arrest by the Britishers because of his opposition to British rule. However, due to his cleverness, he secretly left the country in 1941 and went to Europe to seek help against the British. Most noteworthy, he sought the help of Russians and Germans against the British. In 1943, Netaji sought Japan’s help and after the Japanese gave their agreement to help Netaji, he began the formation of the Indian National Army. Netaji did the formation of Azad Hind and during the Second World War the Axis Alliance recognized this provisional government

Under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose, The Indian National Army attacked the North-eastern region of India in 1944 to oust British from India. However, the attempted attack failed but it sparked a revolt against the British. The Azad Hind Fauj, with the slogan of ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘Jai Hind’ became an inspiration to Indians.

Indian women were also important in the activities for the freedom of India. A women’s regiment of Azad Hind Fauj was formed, which was under the command of Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan. It was called the ‘Rani Jhansi’ regiment. The Azad Hind Fauj became the symbol of unity and heroism to the people of India.

Famous Quotes by Subhash Chandra Bose

• “It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom. Give me blood and I will give you freedom!”
• “India is calling. Blood is calling to blood. Get up, we have no time to lose. Take up your arms ! we shall carve our way through the enemy’s ranks, or if God wills, we shall die a martyr’s death. And in our last sleep, we shall kiss the road that will bring our Army to Delhi.”
• “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
• “Men, money and materials cannot by themselves bring victory or freedom. We must have the motive-power that will inspire us to brave deeds and heroic exploits.”
• “When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a wall of granite; when we march, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a steamroller.”
• “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
• “We cannot sit still because we cannot, or do not, know the Absolute Truth.”