-Friday World 23 January 2026
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stands as an immortal symbol of courage and patriotism in India's freedom struggle. Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha (then Orissa), he is fondly remembered as "Netaji" – the respected leader whose life exemplified sacrifice, nationalism, and unbreakable resolve. Today, on Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor), we honor his bravery and visionary leadership, drawing inspiration for the current generation.
→ Early Life and Education: Brilliance and Rebellious Spirit
Subhas Chandra Bose was born into a respected Bengali Kayastha family. His father, Janakinath Bose, was a prominent lawyer, and his mother, Prabhavati Devi, instilled strong values and religiosity. From childhood, Subhas displayed exceptional intelligence and a deep sense of patriotism. He studied at Presidency College, Calcutta, where he was profoundly influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
In 1919, he cleared the Indian Civil Service (ICS) exam, ranking fourth, but resigned in 1921, refusing to serve the British Empire. He declared that he could serve his motherland better as one among the people, not as part of the bureaucracy.
→ Contribution to Congress and Ideological Differences
Netaji joined the Indian National Congress in 1921 and quickly rose as a symbol of youth and militant ideology. He was elected Congress President in 1938 and 1939. However, due to differences with Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent approach, he resigned in 1939 and founded the All India Forward Bloc, advocating that true independence required armed struggle.
→ Azad Hind Fauj: The Armed Revolution During World War II, Netaji sought alliances with Germany and Japan to reorganize the
Indian National Army (INA) or **Azad Hind Fauj. In 1942, he took command in Singapore, mobilizing thousands of Indian prisoners of war and expatriates. He established the **Rani of Jhansi Regiment** for women, led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal. His iconic slogans ignited the nation:
→ "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" (Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga!)
→ "Chalo Delhi!" (March to Delhi!)
→ "Jai Hind!" – Now the national greeting of the Indian armed forces.
These rallying cries not only motivated INA soldiers but sparked widespread unrest across India. The INA trials in 1945-46 triggered massive protests, shaking British rule to its core.
→ Mysterious Death and Immortal Legacy Officially, Netaji is said to have died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945. However, the circumstances remain controversial and shrouded in mystery, with ongoing debates, inquiries, and theories (including claims of survival as Gumnami Baba). Multiple commissions have investigated, but no conclusive evidence has ended the speculation.
Since 2021, the Government of India observes January 23 as **Parakram Diwas**. In 2026, celebrations are grand, with the main event in Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) from January 23-25, featuring tributes at Netaji Stadium and other iconic sites linked to his life.
→ Other Inspiring Quotes by Netaji
→ "Freedom is not given, it is taken."
→ "One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives."
→ "It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood."
→ Relevance Today In an era of progress, unity, and self-reliance, Netaji's message remains profoundly relevant. His valor teaches us to confront challenges head-on with courage, discipline, and love for the nation. Youth must embrace his ideals to build a strong, prosperous, and self-respecting India.
Netaji is not just a person – he is an enduring idea of freedom, dignity, and sacrifice. On his birth anniversary, we pay homage and renew our pledge to realize his dream of a mighty Bharat.
Jai Hind! Jai Hind!
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World 23 January 2026
