Context:
Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, also known as Parakram Diwas or the Day of Valour, is celebrated annually in India to honour the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the country’s most revered freedom fighters.
- In recognition of his immense contributions towards India’s struggle for independence, the government declared 23rd January as ‘Parakram Diwas’ in 2021, dedicating the day to celebrating his courage and determination in restoring India’s freedom.
- This day pays tribute to his unwavering courage, patriotism, and tireless efforts towards India’s independence.
About Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his Contribution
- He was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who played a pivotal role in the fight for India’s independence from British colonial rule.
- His iconic slogans, including “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Aazadi Dunga,” “Jai Hind,” and “Delhi Chalo,” remain symbols of his patriotism and leadership in the freedom struggle.
- Hewas born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, Bose emerged as a key figure in the freedom struggle.
- In 1920, Bose passed the civil service examination but resigned from his position in April 1921 after being moved by the growing nationalist movement in India.
- He joined the Indian National Congress and became an active participant in the Indian independence struggle.
- Initially, Bose worked under the mentorship of C.R. Das in Bengal, where he developed his political ideology.
- He was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and served as the President of the Indian National Congress for two consecutive terms. However, he resigned from the position in 1939 due to ideological differences with Gandhi.
- In 1939, he formed the Forward Bloc, aiming to unite all anti-British forces across India.
- Swami Vivekananda’s teachings deeply influenced Bose, and he was known for his patriotic fervor, especially during his student years.
- At the onset of World War II, Bose fled India and traveled to the Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan, seeking alliances to launch an attack on the British in India.
- With Japanese assistance, he reorganized the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauz, which was formed from Indian prisoners-of-war and plantation workers from Southeast Asia, including Malaya and Singapore. He led the INA in battles against British forces, notably in Imphal and Burma.
- He formed A women’s regiment of the Azad Hind Fauj, called the Rani Jhansi Regiment, under the command of Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan.
- Bose also formed the Azad Hind Government in exile with Japanese political, military, and diplomatic support in Singapore.
- It is widely believed that Bose died in a plane crash over Taiwan on August 18, 1945, but the exact circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery and controversy.