Thu Jan 23 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 128th Birth Anniversary Celebrated as Parakram Diwas

**New Delhi, January 23, 2025** – India commemorated the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today, a day also observed as Parakram Diwas (Valour Day). Bose, a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence, remains a powerful symbol of national pride, his rallying cries – “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” “Jai Hind,” and “Delhi Chalo” – etched in the nation’s memory. “Jai Hind” in particular, has become a national slogan.

To mark the occasion, several key facts from Bose’s life were highlighted:

* **Early Life:** Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose was the ninth of fourteen siblings. His parents were Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi.

* **Civil Service & Independence:** He excelled academically, achieving fourth rank in the Indian Civil Service examination, but resigned to dedicate his life to India’s freedom struggle.

* **Family:** Bose married Emilie Schenkl, an Austrian woman, in 1937, and they had a daughter, Anita, who currently resides in Germany.

* **Forward Bloc & Azad Hind Fauj:** In 1943, Bose formed the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) and established a provisional government in Singapore, recognized by nine countries including Germany, Japan, and the Philippines. He also launched an Azad Hind Fauj radio station.

* **’Give me Blood…’ and Myanmar:** His famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” was delivered in Myanmar (formerly Burma) in 1944.

* **World War II Alliances:** During World War II, Bose sought support from the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and Japan against British rule, leading to accusations of aligning with fascist powers.

* **Mysterious Disappearance:** Following a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, Bose’s fate became a subject of much debate. Three inquiries yielded conflicting conclusions, with two suggesting death in the crash and one claiming his survival. This continues to be a point of contention within his family.

* **Declassified Documents:** In 2016, the Modi government declassified 100 secret files related to Bose, making them available digitally at the National Archives.

* **Parakram Diwas:** The declaration of his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas was made in 2021.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy continues to inspire patriotism and his contributions to India’s independence movement remain deeply significant.

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