Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose born on January 23, 1897, in the Cuttack region, as the ninth son of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavathi Devi. From his childhood, he was deeply inspired by the teachings of great spiritual leaders, especially Swami Vivekananda, whose ideals shaped his thoughts on patriotism, discipline, and self-sacrifice. An outstanding student, Bose completed his bachelor's degree with first-class honors in 1919.

In 1920, he appeared for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination, which was then regarded as the highest qualification for Indian public service and was conducted in London. Bose performed exceptionally well and secured fourth rank among Indian candidates. Despite this remarkable achievement, he voluntarily resigned from the ICS, believing that serving the British government meant supporting the oppression of his own country. His decision reflected his unwavering commitment to India's freedom. At the young age of 25, he became the President of the Bengal National College, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to national education.

At the invitation of his close friend C. R. Das, Netaji joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He also served as the editor of the newspaper Swarajya, through which he spread nationalist ideas and inspired people to rise against colonial rule. In 1939, he founded the All-India Forward Bloc Party and became its All-India President, while Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar served as its Tamil Nadu President. Under Netaji's leadership, the party gained widespread support. After winning the Calcutta Municipal Corporation elections, he introduced several reforms that earned him immense public approval. Alarmed by his growing influence, the British government arrested him on October 25, 1924, under an Emergency Act and imprisoned him in the Calcutta Central Jail.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, the British sought India's support for their war efforts. Netaji, however, intensified his efforts to mobilize the masses against British rule. As a result, he was arrested again in July 1940 and placed under house arrest. Displaying extraordinary courage and determination, he escaped from house arrest on January 15, 1941, by disguising himself.

After crossing the Indian border into Afghanistan, Netaji contacted officials at the Italian Embassy and sought permission to travel to Italy. Unexpectedly, he received an invitation from Adolf Hitler to visit Germany. Consequently, Netaji went to Berlin, where he met Hitler, who assured him of full support for India's independence. During this period, Netaji worked tirelessly to internationalize India's freedom struggle through an organization called Azad Hind.

Later, Netaji reorganized the Indian National Army (INA), which had originally been formed by Rash Behari Bose, and assumed its leadership. He called upon the youth of India to sacrifice their blood and lives for the nation's liberation. From Tamil Nadu alone, more than a hundred young men joined the INA under the inspiration of Muthuramalinga Thevar. Netaji strengthened the INA with Indian workers from Southeast Asia and Indian prisoners of war captured by Japan. Significantly, he also formed a women's regiment known as the Jhansi Rani Regiment, highlighting his belief in gender equality and women's empowerment.

An incident involving Govindamal, a woman officer from Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to the discipline and bravery of the INA. When she once stopped Netaji from entering the regiment's camp, mistaking him for someone else, he appreciated her vigilance instead of taking offense. This episode illustrates the vital role played by women, particularly from Tamil Nadu, in Netaji's freedom movement.

On October 21, 1943, at a conference in Singapore, Netaji proclaimed the Declaration of Independence for India. Later, on December 29, he hoisted the Indian national flag as the head of the Provisional Government of Free India in the Andaman Islands, an event recognized by nine countries. Even when the INA faced severe challenges, Netaji continued to inspire hope and determination. On August 15, 1945, he issued a final statement regarding India's independence. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain one of the greatest mysteries in Indian history.

As we commemorate the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23, 2026, we are reminded of his unparalleled sacrifice and dedication, which allow us to breathe the air of freedom today. The families of soldiers from Tamil Nadu who served in the Indian National Army under his leadership still live among us. Meeting them, listening to their memories, and documenting their experiences through an article or a short film would be a meaningful tribute to Netaji and the countless unsung heroes who fought for India's independence.

Jai Hind!