Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, has been at the forefront of many political debates on nationalism even after his death. Bose is also one of the most disputed freedom fighters of India with a number of conspiracy theories about his death and his relations with Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Born in a Bengali family in Odisha, Bose was influenced by the freedom struggle movement from an early age. He kept track of the secret freedom movements and personalities in college and was assigned to do the same as part of his job at the Indian National Congress.
Bose had started out as a radical leader of the INC’s youth wing and later went on to become the party president in 1938.
He was known for his tactics and radical approach towards attaining freedom, though the Gandhi-Nehru led Congress praised him, the party constantly maintained and often re-established its non-violent and democratic ideology.
The patriot who said ‘Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Mai Tumhe Azadi Dunga' inspired scores of people to go beyond the obvious and sacrifice their lives for the freedom struggle.
Ahead of Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Day on August 18, here are top 10 quotes from the nationalist:
It doesn’t matter who among us will live to see India free. It is enough that India shall be free and that we shall give our all to her free.
Nationalism is inspired by the highest ideals of the human race, Satyam (truth), Shivam (God), Sundaram (beautiful).
No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussion.
One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.
For an enslaved people, there can be no greater pride, no higher honour, than to be the first soldier in the army of liberation.
India is calling. Blood is calling to blood. Get up, we have no time to lose. Take up your arms, the road to Delhi is the road to Freedom. Chalo Dilli!
Freedom is not given - it is taken.
The secret of political bargaining is to look more strong than what you really are.
It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertion, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength.
It is only on the basis of undiluted Nationalism and of perfect justice and impartiality that the Indian army of liberation can be built up.
