Thu Jan 23 10:09:58 UTC 2025: ## Nation Celebrates 128th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

**New Delhi, January 23, 2025** – India commemorated the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today, observing Parakram Diwas (Valour Day) to honor the legacy of one of India’s most influential freedom fighters. Bose, born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, was known for his unwavering patriotism and relentless pursuit of Indian independence.

His journey, from a brilliant student at Presidency College, Calcutta (from where he was expelled for nationalist activities), to a high-ranking Indian Civil Service officer (a position he resigned from), highlights his commitment to his nation. Bose’s involvement in revolutionary movements led to imprisonment, and later, his escape from the country and establishment of the Forward Bloc.

Bose’s most significant contribution was the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army), a military force composed of Indian prisoners of war and expatriates in Southeast Asia. Supported by Axis powers, the INA fought alongside them, aiming to liberate India from British rule. The Azad Hind government, declared in Singapore on October 21, 1943, under Bose’s leadership, further symbolized the struggle for independence. The INA’s activities, although ultimately unsuccessful in securing immediate independence, played a crucial role in boosting morale and weakening British colonial power. His famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom,” inspired millions.

Bose’s influence extended beyond the battlefield. He established the Free India Centre in Berlin and utilized the Azad Hind Radio to disseminate nationalist propaganda. His communication to Mahatma Gandhi, addressing him as “Father of the Nation,” further highlights his impact on the freedom struggle.

While the circumstances surrounding his death in a plane crash in Formosa (Taiwan) on August 18, 1945, remain controversial, his legacy as a powerful symbol of Indian nationalism remains unchallenged. Parakram Diwas serves as a fitting tribute to his courage, vision, and unwavering dedication to a free India.

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