Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose was a key prominent personality in India's struggle for independence. Born in 1897, he became known for his leadership in the Indian National Congress and later, for founding the Forward Bloc and the Indian National Army (INA). Bose's philosophy was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda. Bose's efforts during World War II to gain international support against the British marked him as a dedicated patriot. Despite his death in 1945 from a plane crash, his legacy as a symbol of unity and freedom continues to inspire. The government's decision to install his statue at India Gate and the establishment of the Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar awards for excellence in disaster management are tributes to his contributions to India's independence and his lasting impact on the nation.

Before Bose's rise, the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi advocating for non-violent protests and civil disobedience against British laws. The period also saw the partition of Bengal in 1905, visible widespread protests and the formation of the Swadeshi movement, urging Indians to boycott British goods. In this era, the Indian National Congress became a major platform for voicing India's demand for self-rule, setting the stage for Bose's later contributions to India's independence struggle.

Subhas Chandra Bose, born in 1897, played a crucial role in the fight for India's freedom. Netaji was strongly influenced by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. He was known for creating the Forward Bloc and leading the Indian National Army (INA). Bose encouraged Indians to fight for their freedom with his famous call, "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom," and introduced the patriotic greeting "Jai Hind." During World War II, he formed alliances with countries worldwide to end British control in India, showing his dedication to India's independence. Even though he died in a plane crash in 1945, Bose's influence as a symbol of unity and a fighter for freedom and equality continues to motivate people, keeping alive his dream of a free and self-governing India.

• Born: On 23 January 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa.
• Died: On 18 August 1945, in a hospital in Taiwan due to injuries from a plane crash.
• Family: Son of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi. He married Emily Schenkl and they had a daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff.
• Education: Attended Ravenshaw Collegiate School and Presidency College in Calcutta before studying at the University of Cambridge, England.

• Associations: Active member of the Indian National Congress, later founded the Forward Bloc, and led the Indian National Army (INA).
• Ideology: A nationalist with communist inclinations and a belief in socialism. Known for advocating a militant approach to achieve independence.

Early Influence

• His early education in Cuttack laid the foundation for his patriotism.
• Influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna at a young age, Bose developed a strong sense of national pride.
• In 1919, Bose moved to England to give the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination and got selected. Bose, however, resigned from Civil Services as he believed he could not side with the British and came back to participate in the national movement.

• Early Association: Bose joined the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, who transformed the INC into a potent non-violent force. Gandhi advised him to work under Chittaranjan Das, Bose's political mentor.
• In 1921, Bose took over the editorship of the 'Forward' newspaper of Chittaranjan Das's Swaraj Party.
• In 1923, Bose was elected as the President of the All India Youth Congress.
• In 1925, He was sent to prison in Mandalay due to his connections with revolutionary movements where he contracted Tuberculosis.
• After his release from prison in 1927, Bose became the general secretary of the Congress party, aligning with Jawaharlal Nehru towards the goal of independence.
• During the mid-1930s Bose travelled in Europe. He wrote the first part of his book, The Indian Struggle, about the independence movement in the years 1920–1934.
• Trade union movements: In 1930, he got elected as a Mayor of Calcutta, the same year he was elected as the President of AITUC. He organised the youth and promoted trade union movements. He actively participated in the Salt Satyagraha of 1930 and opposed the suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement and signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931.
• In the 1930s, he was associated with left politics in Congress along with Jawaharlal Nehru and M.N. Roy.
• Presidency and Ideological Differences: Elected as the president of the INC in 1938 (Haripur) and stood for unqualified Swaraj (self-governance) and opposed Motilal Nehru Report which spoke for dominion status for India. He advocated for use of force against the British which then combated against Mahatma Gandhi and his views.
• Bose pushed for industrialization, clashing with Gandhi's vision of cottage industries. Despite winning the re-election to the post of Congress President in 1939(Tripuri) against Gandhi's candidate Pattabhi Sitarammayya, he quit because of ideological differences with Gandhi ji. Bose left the congress and founded 'the Forward Bloc'.

• Establishment: In 1939, Bose founded the All India Forward Bloc to unite the radical elements within the Congress advocating for complete independence.
• Objective: The Forward Bloc aimed to promote principles of equality and social justice, reflecting Bose's leftist ideology.
• When World War II began, he was again imprisoned for participation in civil disobedience and put under house arrest.
• Somehow, Bose managed to escape to Berlin by way of Afghanistan and Peshawar. He reached Japan and from there to Burma and organised the INA (Indian National Army) to fight against the British and liberate India with the help of Japan.

• Indian Legion: In Berlin, Bose founded the free India center and created the Indian Legion from the Indian prisoners of war who had previously fought for the British in North Africa before their capture by Axis forces.
• In Europe, Bose asked help from Hitler and Mussolini for the liberation of India.
• In Germany, he was connected to the special bureau for India which was responsible for the broadcasting on the Azad Hind Radio by German sponsors. on 6th July 1944, Bose addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the 'Father of the Nation' on this same radio.
• Indian National Army: He reached Singapore(Japanese-controlled) from Germany. In July 1943, he issued his famous call, ‘Delhi Chalo’, "Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Aazadi Dunga", "Jai Hind" from there.
On 21st October 1943, Bose declared the formation of the Azad Hind Government and the Indian National Army.
• The INA was 1st formed under Mohan Singh & Japanese Major Fujiwara and comprised Indian prisoners of war of the British-Indian Army which was captured by Japan in the Malayan (now Malaysia) campaign at Singapore.
• The INA included the Indian prisoners of war from Singapore and Indian civilians in South-East Asia. strength grew to 50,000.
• In 1944, The INA fought against British imperial armed forces inside the borders of India in Imphal and in Burma.
• However, when Rangoon fell, the Azad Hind Government could no longer function effectively as a political force. In November 1945, the British decision to put INA soldiers on trial immediately caused widespread protests throughout the country.
• The effect of this was significant. Between 1945 and 1946, the INA stirred dissatisfaction within the British Indian army, leading to the significant Bombay naval mutiny in February 1946.
• This was a crucial factor in prompting the British to leave India quickly.
• Regarding INA composition, it was notable for establishing a Women's Regiment named in honor of the Rani of Jhansi during the 2nd World War. The regiment was raised in Singapore. It was led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal.

• Symbol of Unity and Heroism: The INA, under Netaji's leadership, became a symbol of unity among Indians, both at home and abroad.
• Netaji's Disappearance: Following Japan's surrender, Netaji was reported killed in an air crash, a moment that remains a significant part of his mysterious legacy.

• The government recently announced plans to install a magnificent statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate to mark his 125th birth anniversary. This tribute is a part of the year-long celebrations honoring his contributions to India's independence struggle. Additionally, the Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskars for the years 2019 to 2022 will be awarded during the investiture ceremony.

A Tribute to Excellence in Disaster Management

• Objective: Recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions and selfless service provided by both individuals and organizations in the realm of disaster management in India.
• Announcement Date: The awards are declared annually on the 23rd of January, aligning with Netaji's birth anniversary, reinforcing the connection between his legacy and the valor in service to the nation.
• Prize Details: The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh along with a certificate for institutions, and Rs. 5 lakh plus a certificate for individuals, acknowledging their dedication and efforts in disaster management.

The initiative to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with a statue at a prominent national site and the institution of awards in his name reflects a deep respect for his enduring legacy. These actions not only commemorate his historical significance but also inspire current and future generations to serve the nation with courage and dedication, particularly in the critical area of disaster management.