Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
The Patriot of Patriots
Parakram Diwas: Since 2021, the Government of India celebrates Netaji’s birthday (January 23rd) as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) to honor his selfless service to the nation.
The Intellectual & Politician
Before becoming a revolutionary leader, Bose was a brilliant academic mind:
- ICS Rank 4: He secured the 4th rank in the prestigious Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam but resigned soon after, refusing to serve the British Crown.
- Political Mentorship: He regarded Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) as his political guru.
- Congress Leadership: He presided over the Haripura Session (1938) and the Tripuri Session (1939), eventually resigning due to ideological rifts.
The Great Escape
Following the Holwell Monument protest, Bose was placed under preventive detention. After a grueling hunger strike, he was moved to house arrest at his Elgin Road residence, from where he plotted his daring escape.
The Route: Calcutta → Peshawar → Kabul → Moscow → Berlin.
- The Disguise: He escaped as Mohammad Ziauddin (an insurance agent).
- The Accomplice: He was driven to Gomoh by his nephew, Sisir Kumar Bose.
- The Identity: In Europe, he operated under the name Orlando Mazzotta.
International Mobilization
Bose moved across the globe to secure India’s freedom through military diplomacy:
- Germany: Formed the Indian Legion (Free India Legion).
- Japan: Later traveled to Japan via submarine to lead the Azad Hind Fauj.
- Soviet Union: Attempted to garner support through Moscow during his transit.