Biography of Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose, commonly known as Netaji, was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Known for his radical approach and charismatic leadership, Bose was instrumental in galvanizing Indian support for the cause of freedom, both domestically and internationally. Born on January 23, 1897, he was presumed to have died in a plane crash on August 18, 1945, although the circumstances of his death remain a subject of controversy.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background:
- Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, then part of the Bengal Presidency in British India (now in Odisha).
- His father, Janakinath Bose, was a prominent lawyer, and his mother, Prabhavati Devi, was a devout and supportive homemaker. Bose was the ninth of fourteen children.
Education:
- Bose showed academic promise from a young age, excelling in his studies. He attended the prestigious Presidency College in Calcutta and later studied at the Scottish Church College, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy.
- He went on to study in England, attending Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and passed the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination in 1920. However, he resigned from the ICS in 1921, driven by his desire to contribute to the struggle for Indian independence.

Entry into Politics

Influence of Nationalist Movements:
- Inspired by leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, Bose became actively involved in the Indian nationalist movement.
- He joined the Indian National Congress and quickly rose through its ranks due to his intellect, oratory skills, and organizational abilities.
Association with Chittaranjan Das:
- Bose became a close associate of Chittaranjan Das, a leading nationalist and advocate of radical action against British rule. Das became Bose's political mentor, and together they worked on various initiatives to promote Indian self-rule.

Role in the Indian National Congress

Leadership and Ideology:
- Subhash Chandra Bose was known for his radical approach and his belief in the use of force if necessary to achieve independence, which often put him at odds with the more moderate leaders within the Indian National Congress, including Mahatma Gandhi.
- He was elected President of the Indian National Congress twice, in 1938 and 1939, but his vision for India’s future and his methods led to disagreements with the party’s leadership.
Conflict with Gandhi:
- Bose's vision of an aggressive stance against British rule contrasted with Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance. This ideological clash eventually led to Bose's resignation from the Congress presidency and his formation of the Forward Bloc, a faction within the Congress aimed at uniting various left-wing groups.

Formation of the Indian National Army (INA)

Escape to Germany:
- Facing British surveillance and detention, Bose escaped from India in 1941, first traveling to Germany to seek support for India's independence.
- In Germany, he formed the Free India Legion, composed of Indian prisoners of war and expatriates, to fight against British forces.
Journey to Japan and INA Leadership:
- Bose later traveled to Japan, where he took command of the Indian National Army (INA), originally founded by Captain Mohan Singh and supported by the Japanese government.
- As the leader of the INA, Bose sought to liberate India from British rule by forging alliances with Axis powers during World War II. The INA comprised Indian soldiers captured by Japanese forces during the war and volunteers from the Indian expatriate community.
Military Campaigns:
- Under Bose's leadership, the INA participated in several military campaigns, including the famous march towards Imphal and Kohima in 1944. Despite initial successes, the INA ultimately faced setbacks due to logistical challenges, lack of support, and the superior strength of Allied forces.

Azad Hind Government

Provisional Government:
- Bose established the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) in 1943, which aimed to function as the legitimate government of India in exile.
- The Azad Hind government was recognized by several Axis powers and controlled parts of northeastern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during its brief existence.
Legacy and Contributions:
- Bose's efforts to gain international support for India’s independence and his leadership of the INA left a lasting impact on the freedom movement. His vision of a free and united India inspired countless Indians to join the struggle for independence.

Controversial Death

Plane Crash:
- Subhash Chandra Bose's death remains one of the most controversial and debated aspects of his life. He is believed to have died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, while attempting to reach Japan.
- However, the circumstances of his death have been shrouded in mystery, and various theories suggest that he may have survived and lived in hiding. Multiple commissions of inquiry have been set up by the Indian government to investigate his death, but none have conclusively resolved the mystery.

Legacy and Impact

National Hero:
- Subhash Chandra Bose is revered as a national hero in India. His vision for a free India and his uncompromising stance against colonial rule have made him an enduring symbol of patriotism and courage.
- His slogan "Jai Hind" (Victory to India) became a rallying cry for Indian nationalists and is now a patriotic salutation used widely in India.
Influence on Indian Independence:
- Bose’s efforts in mobilizing Indian expatriates and seeking international support for India’s independence contributed to the weakening of British colonial rule and bolstered the broader freedom struggle.
- His legacy continues to inspire political and social movements in India, and he is celebrated for his dedication to the cause of Indian independence.
Commemoration:
- Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday, January 23, is celebrated as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti in India. Numerous institutions, roads, and public places are named in his honor.