Context:
On the occasion of Parakram Diwas 2025, the Ministry of Culture is organising a grand celebration.
Subhas Chandra Bose:
- Born in 1897 in Cuttack (now Odisha)
- Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) is celebrated annually on 23rd January to honor his birth anniversary
- Inspirations – Influenced by Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s Ananda Math.
- Passed the Indian Civil Service exam in 1920 but resigned in 1921 to join the freedom struggle.
- Met Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 but disagreed with his non-violent approach.
- Elected in 1938 at Haripura session; re-elected in 1939 at Tripuri session, defeating Gandhi-backed candidate.
- Resigned in 1939 after failing to form a new working committee; proposed the Forward Bloc for radical-left Congress members.
- Known for his famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom”
- Death – Allegedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan in 1945.
- Subhas Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar – To honour the selfless service rendered by individuals and organisations in India in the field of disaster management.
Contribution to Freedom Movement:
- International Alliances: Sought support from Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, and Imperial Japan.
- Azad Hind Radio: Started the radio and was provided with Indian prisoners of war by Axis powers.
- Indian National Army (INA): Formed in 1942, supported by Japanese troops; led the Chalo Delhi campaign.
- Azad Hind Government: Formed in 1943 in Singapore; recognized by nine countries.
- INA Women’s Regiment: Created the Jhansi Regiment for women fighters
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2008 Prelims]
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Rashbehari Bose
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) V.D. Savarkar
Answer: (c)
