Born in Cuttack, Odisha, Subhas Chandra Bose was born in a well-off family. A brilliant student, Netaji ranked second in the matriculation examination and fourth in the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination. He quit his high-paying ICS job and came back to India from England in 1921 to join India's struggle for independence. Initially a member of INC (Indian National Congress), Netaji opined that to earn freedom, it's necessary to wage war against the British.
He formed the Azad Hind Fauj, a military regiment designed to counter the British. With socialist beliefs and thoughts, Netaji inspired millions of youths to join the struggle for independence.
Subhas Chandra Bose ranks among the best known of all of India’s independence era leaders. He promoted the ideals of independence in the Indian National Congress in the 1920’s and 1930’s and became its president in 1938. But he was ousted by the British colonial government in 1939 due to certain “unapproved events” he was planning.
Netaji is also a somewhat controversial figure, however. He carried on relations with the Nazis and with the Imperial Japanese during World War II, although he seems to have done so to gain their support to build up an Indian National Army.
He is famous for his quotes, such as “Freedom is not given, it is taken”, “Give me your blood and I will give you your freedom”, and “Glory to India!”
Every year, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti is the occasion of special school and college events. There are many parades, performances of musical bands, cultural events, and Netaji film festivals at local theatres.
