Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Day: Remembering the Hero Who Never Gave Up
Subhas Chandra Bose, a freedom fighter who never gave up, is remembered on his memorial day. He is celebrated for his bravery and determination in fighting for India's independence.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, an indomitable leader in India's struggle for Independence against British rule, carved a distinct place in history. His passionate pursuit of freedom encompassed a path of armed rebellion, culminating in the formation of Azad Hind Fauj. Revered for his resounding call, "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Mai Tumhe Azadi Dunga"(Give me blood and I will give you freedom), Bose's legacy remains a beacon of courage and unwavering determination.
The enigma surrounding Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's vanishing act on August 18, 1945, persists as one of the most profound mysteries in modern Indian history. While reports point to his purported demise in a plane crash in Taipei, the truth behind this disappearance continues to elude us. The ill-fated flight took off from Taihoku, then under Japanese control, now recognized as Taipei.
Amidst the tumultuous landscape of World War II, Bose led the charge from foreign shores, challenging the supremacy of Western powers. At times, his ideological alignment diverged from that of Mahatma Gandhi, fueled by his inclination towards armed revolution as a means to secure Independence.
Bose's distinct approach to liberation was characterized by his fervent advocacy for socialist ideals. Although he initially embarked on the path of the non-cooperation movement supported by Mahatma Gandhi, his trajectory took a transformative turn. Embracing a more assertive stance, he steered the movement towards a resolute pursuit of freedom.
During his tenure in Nazi Germany, Netaji, and his compatriots found solidarity in Berlin, utilizing the medium of Azad Hind Radio to amplify their message. With Japan's advance into Southeast Asia, Bose departed Germany, ultimately arriving in Tokyo in May 1943.
Strengthened by Japanese support, Bose established the formidable Indian National Army (INA) on July 4, 1943, effectively assuming command of the Indian Independence Movement in East Asia. The defining moment arrived on October 21 of the same year when he proclaimed the establishment of an autonomous Indian government, signifying a seminal milestone in India's march towards sovereignty. Marching alongside Japanese forces, Bose's INA embarked on a historic journey, culminating in their arrival on Indian soil by March 1944.
Despite facing formidable odds and dwindling Japanese air support, Bose's INA remained resolute in their mission, embodying the spirit of liberation. The ultimate defeat could not diminish the passion that this valiant army embodied. Tragically, Bose's fate remains veiled in uncertainty and contention, allegedly succumbing to burn injuries sustained in a plane crash, following Japan's surrender in August 1945, while he was being treated in a Taipei hospital.
Below, you'll find several poignant quotes from the valiant freedom fighter:
“It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom. Give me blood and I will give you freedom!”
“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
"Freedom is not given, it is taken."
"We must fight if we want to live."
"It is not necessary to wait for the permission of others to secure our rights."
"One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives."
“No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.”
