January 23 of each year marks a day for the Indian nation to pay tributes to one of its most honored freedom fighters: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Parakram Diwas, or Courage Day, commemorates his undaunted spirit and tenacious effort in gaining independence from British rule in India. Today, this year is marking 128 years of his birth and, as such, a right time to review his contribution, his ideal, and what legacy he has left behind for people to take cue from.
Early Life and Education
Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha. He was the ninth child in a distinguished family. He was educated at Cuttack where he showed great promise and had a sharp intellect. Bose graduated from the prestigious Presidency College in Calcutta with a degree in Philosophy. His academic brilliance took him to England to sit for the Civil Services Examination, where he stood fourth in the merit list. However, his heart was set on serving his country, and thus he resigned from the Indian Civil Service in 1921.
Political Awakening
Bose’s political career started under the guidance of great leaders like Chittaranjan Das, who inspired him to take up the cause of India’s freedom. He was one of the members who rose through the ranks to become the president of the All India Youth Congress and eventually, in 1938, of the Congress itself. His more militant approach to achieving independence frequently found him in opposition to the leadership of the Congress, leading him to eventually leave the party.
Indian National Army
One of Bose’s most significant contributions was the Indian National Army. Under his leadership, INA fought alongside the Axis powers in World War II in an effort to overthrow British rule in India. His rallying cry, ‘Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom! ‘ fired up a sense of urgency and commitment in Indians to join the struggle for independence. Through the charm and leadership skills of Bose, many young Indians were inspired towards a sense of national pride and unity. Celebrating Parakram Diwas In the year 2021, the Government of India formally declared 23rd January as Parakram Diwas in honor of the extraordinary contributions made by Bose to the freedom movement. The step is, on one hand, a memorial towards his life but also an inspiration for the new generation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the spirit of unity and resilience exhibited by Bose should motivate modern Indians to work toward a developed and self-reliant nation. Events across the country, including exhibitions showcasing Bose’s life and achievements, engage citizens in celebrating his legacy.
Lessons for Today
The life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is invaluable to today’s youth. This is because of his commitment towards the cause of independence, showing that true freedom does not come without a price but through sacrifices and determination. Quotes like ‘Freedom is not given, it is taken’ still echo the voices of a leader who never let people just wait for something to happen in their lives but worked to make a change. On Parakram Diwas, let us remember the sacrifices of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as well as the values of courage, resilience, and unity that he embodied. His vision for an independent India is a call to action for all citizens to contribute toward the nation’s progress. Reflecting on his life and ideals will surely inspire us to face our own challenges and strive for a better future for our country.
