Birth anniversary of legendary leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who was a prominent figure in the Indian freedom movement is celebrated as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose jayanti on January 23rd every year.
Life of Subhash Chandra Bose
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23rd 1897 in Cuttack. He was a brilliant student who excelled in studies and also had patriotic zeal even when he was a student. He did his Bachelors in philosophy in the University of Calcutta and then he completed his Civil Service exams in England in which he was awarded the fourth place. But he resigned from his post as he was interested in serving the British and returned back to India to take part in the Indian freedom movement. He joined the Indian National congress. He also became the president of the congress party and went to jail nearly 11 times.But due to ideological conflicts between him and Gandhiji he quit the congress and formed a progressive group which was called the ‘forward block’.
In 1939 he launched a mass campaign of civil disobedience and was placed under house arrest which he escaped in the year 1941 and went to Germany. Here he founded the free India centre and created the Indian legion which comprised of 4,500 soldiers who were Indian prisoners of war. But when the Germans invaded Russia he was disappointed and left Germany and reached Japan where he was handed over the reins on the Indian National Army. Bose further strengthened the army and it now consisted of 85,000 troops and Netaji declared war against the British which attacked the British forces in Manipur and Nagaland. But when the Japanese where defeated INA had to retreat.Subhash Chandra Bose was reportedly killed in plane crash on August 18th 1945 while flying to Tokyo. But his body was never found and even today his dearth remains a mystery.
How is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Celebrated?
This day is celebrated with great reverence across India especially in West Bengal and Orissa. Schools and colleges organise various events like quiz competitions and cultural programmes on this day to commemorate the great personality. Processions are held in small towns and cities in which kids dressed up as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose take part. People also sing various patriotic songs to remember the valuable contribution of this legendary leader.