
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (2025): Today is the birth anniversary of one of the country’s greatest freedom fighters and the founder of the Azad Hind Fauj, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He gave up all to ensure India’s independence. His dream was to see India as a free nation, and he sacrificed nearly everything to achieve it.
Netaji’s Early Life

Chandra Bose was born into an affluent Bengali family in Cuttack, Odisha. His father, Janakinath Bose, was a lawyer, and his mother, Prabhavati Devi, was a devout woman who had a significant influence on his early life. He was a good student who attended several famous colleges, including Ravenshaw Collegiate School in Cuttack and then Presidency College in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
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Education
In 1919, Bose travelled to England to further his education at Cambridge University, where he got a degree in History. He eventually joined the Indian Civil Services (ICS) and passed the coveted ICS test with flying colours. However, he resigned from the ICS in 1921 to devote himself to the cause of India’s independence, motivated by a desire to serve his motherland.
Political Journey

Bose was influenced by nationalist leaders and ideals while in Kolkata. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and became an active participant in the struggle against British colonial rule. He was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1938, but his disagreements with Mahatma Gandhi and other senior leaders prompted him to resign the following year. Despite his departure, his involvement in India’s liberation fight expanded significantly.
Vision
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoped for a strong India post-independence. He envisioned a strong, egalitarian, self-sufficient, and independent nation. He envisioned a country in which everyone might attain their objectives depending on their ability. According to experts, Netaji’s vision and efforts contributed to India’s recognition as a worldwide force. Netaji believed that India’s policies should reflect its entire freedom as a free country. He thought that the country ought to concentrate on encouraging nationalism via education, ensuring equal access to food, clothes, and education for all, and improving its national defence and security.
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The phrase “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom” was coined by Bose and became a catchphrase for the fight for Indian independence. His well-known speech, “Chalo Dilli” (March to Delhi), inspired the Indian masses and INA soldiers in a way that has become legendary.
Love Life

His romantic life was private yet important. In 1937, he wed the Austrian Emilie Schenkl. Anita Bose is the name of their daughter. Netaji’s relationship with Emilie continued to play a significant role in his personal life despite his strong dedication to India’s cause. Emilie reared their daughter in Germany following his abduction in 1945.
Mysterious Death
There is still discussion and conjecture around Netaji’s passing. According to official accounts, he perished in an aircraft accident in Taiwan on August 18, 1945. Many of his supporters, on the other hand, think he went into hiding after surviving the crash. He lived in exile following the crash, according to certain conspiracy theories, which were sparked by his disappearance and the mystery surrounding his death. His passing dealt the Indian independence movement a serious setback.
Legacy
According to the book ‘Subhas Ki Ajnat Yatra’ (The Unknown Journey of Subhas), following India’s freedom, Netaji voiced a few personal wishes. It is mentioned that he frequently stated that once the country was free and everything was in order, he planned on going to the Himalayas to immerse himself in meditation and spirituality. This, he felt, was the fundamental meaning of his life. It is worth noting that spirituality played a crucial role in Netaji’s life. He was strongly drawn to it since childhood and first revealed an interest in it as a child. His famous slogan “Jai Hind” (Victory to India) is still widely used in India today. His life and work continue to inspire generations of Indians to fight for their rights and freedoms.
To commemorate his achievements to the nation’s freedom movement, January 23 is designated as “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti,” the anniversary of his birth.