Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose (23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945) was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement against British Raj. His approach towards achieving independence for India was markedly different from that of Mahatma Gandhi, with Bose advocating for and leading an armed struggle against the British. Bose is most famously known for his leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army or INA), which was allied with the Axis powers during World War II to fight against the British forces.

Early Life

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, in the province of Orissa, to a well-to-do Bengali family. He was the ninth child of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi. Bose excelled in his studies, securing the second position in the matriculation examination of the University of Calcutta. He pursued his higher education at the Presidency College, Kolkata, where he was influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Bose's nationalistic fervor became evident during these years, leading to his expulsion from the Presidency College for assaulting Professor Oaten, who had manhandled Indian students.

Political Career

Bose's political career began when he joined the Indian National Congress, attracted by its call for swaraj (self-rule). He rose rapidly through its ranks due to his dedication and organizational abilities. However, his belief in aggressive resistance and willingness to use force to oust the British often put him at odds with the party's more moderate leaders, including Gandhi. Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1938 and again in 1939, but his tenure was marked by ideological conflicts with the party's conservative wing, leading to his resignation.

Formation of the Azad Hind Fauj

Disillusioned with the lack of progress towards independence, Bose sought the support of the Axis powers during World War II. He traveled to Germany and then to Japan, where he led the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj, composed of Indian prisoners of war and expatriates. Under his leadership, the INA launched an offensive against the British Indian Army in the northeast of India. Despite initial successes, the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, and Bose's dream of liberating India through armed struggle remained unfulfilled.

Death and Legacy

Subhas Chandra Bose's death remains shrouded in mystery. Official reports state that he died in a plane crash in Taiwan on 18 August 1945, but this has been disputed and remains a topic of speculation. Bose is remembered as a hero in India, with his call for "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" inspiring generations. His approach to achieving independence has been both criticized and celebrated, but his patriotism and dedication to the cause of India's freedom are universally acknowledged.

See Also

• Indian National Congress
• Indian independence movement
• Mahatma Gandhi
• World War II