“Every Indian, no matter where he may be living at present, has a duty towards this country.”
– Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
The inauguration of a grand statue of Subhas Chandra Bose by the Indian government under the canopy at India Gate to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji is a fitting tribute to commemorate the Parakram Diwas and Republic Day – 2022. The statue embodies the dignity and perseverance of our civilization and manifests India’s indebtedness to Netaji. Until the installation of the actual statue is completed, a hologram image of Bose will be projected at the statue’s site. The declaration to mark the Parakram Diwas is homage to Netaji’s indomitable spirit and devotion to the motherland who envisioned the unimaginable when India was forced into the darkness of European colonialism.

Netaji’s contribution to the Indian freedom struggle is well documented, but unfortunately, the successive governments following the independence of India in 1947 were less empathetic towards this icon. Instead of reverence, Netaji was relegated to a secondary role in the Indian freedom movement, whereas a few leaders from a clique were manifested as saviours. For reasons unknown, the previous authorities in India never acknowledged the paramount role of Netaji in forcing the British to transfer power in 1947. However, in his interview with BBC in 1955, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar elucidated that the Indian National Army which Subash Chandra Bose had raised out of the Indian prisoners of war forced the Britishers out of the delusion that Indian soldiers of the Royal British Army would remain loyal to the queen come what may. The very edifice of the British rule that relied on soldiers’ loyalty was successfully breached by Netaji’s sheer will to dissociate himself with the traditional elite and up the ante in the freedom struggle. What else explains his decision to leave the presidency of the Indian National Congress to tread across continents to garner support for the freedom movement, if not self-less love for the nation!

Netaji was a visionary leader, and his idea and vision are still relevant. His thoughts and selfless service is a glittering example of dedication, perseverance and political foresightedness who foresaw emerging threats around India and advocated for an active armed force after independence. He also encouraged women’s participation in armed forces, contrary to the prevailing wisdom, and actively sought self reliance i.e. Atmanirbhar particularly in the field of agriculture. For all the virtues that he carried, the recent declaration by the government is a welcoming move, and hopefully not the last one, for we have many other unknown figures that call for due recognition as we remain indebted to their sacrifices. ABVP pays tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our nation.