43 Subhash Chandra Bose (Netaji) (1897-1945) A have been a dreamer of dreams but the dream of all my dreams, the dearest dream of my life has been the dream of freedom for India. . .." September 27, 1944, Netaji A Brief Biography Subhash Chanda Base is one of the political luminaries in the galaxy of Indian leaders who fought for emancipation of our mother-land from the yoke of alien masters. He was the most controversial and colourful figure, in fact, a legendary one in India's smuggle for independence. In the words of Das: "Nataji Subhash Bose was one of the ost ‘eminent national leaders of India who made significant contributions to the Indian Naltonal Movement. As 2 national leader, he enjoyed equal status with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.1" A brief biographical sketch of Bose will enable us to know environments Which made him lion out of man and make supreme sacrifice forthe nation, He ‘was bom on January 23,1897 at Cuttack in Orissa State. At the age of five, he was admitted in a Mission School at ‘Cuttack, He remained in this school for seven years. In 1909, he sought admission in Revenshaw Collegiate School, attack. He eamed a word of praise from his teachers. It was at this school that Subhash passed through a period of spiritual crisis, It hurt him a great deal and caused great mental conflict. Swami Vivekananda and Ram Krishna were his favourites, He read their views and was considerably influenced by them, He became a changed man. He was no Jonger a goody goody person dancing to the tune of his parents, He confesses, "Vivekananda's ideal brought me into conflict with the existing family and social order: I was weak, the light was a long drawn one in which success was not easy to obtain, Hence tension and unhappiness with occasional fits of depression.” The teachings of Swami ‘Vivekananda enabled Subhash to resolve his mental crisis and solve his problems. Bose was almost hypnotized by Swami's (cachings. "Seek your salvation in the welfare of humanity." An encounter with a 90 years old snayasi was satisfying but certainly not a harbinger of mental peace. Hence he tuned to Vivekananda’s gospel of social service. He visited villages along with his friends for the social amelioration of ill-clad and illiterate villagers. Despite his pre-occupation in these activities, much to the surprise of his teachers and parents, Subhash stood second in matriculation examination of Calcutta University After completion of schooling, he joined the Presidency College {in Calcutta. Though Presidency College was said to be a sanctuary of revolutionaries, Subhash did not develop contacts with them. One day, he left his home secretly; to the utter dismay of his parents. When parents gave up hope of his retum, he tuned up himself. During the period of two months, he felt disillusioned with the so-called holymen, he came in contact with. After his return from spiritual quest, he took to studies. A mention about Oaten affair may be of some interest tothe reader. Oaten, a British professor, used to condemn Indian nationalism. This infuriated his students, They gave him a thrashing, Subhash was not one of them. However, he did not say anything in self defence. He was expelled from the college. Referring to this episode, Oaten remarks. "The young idealist of 19 (summoned before the college disciplinary board) stood before the board, wearing a Roman Toga. He gave the impression of having something under the folds of his apparel. He was searched but there was no bomb. I think, Bose had been having alittle quiet fun at the expense of the Board, So far as I remember, he did not say any thing in his defence and it was eventually decided to expel him from the college.” Subhash took to social service in Cuttack. He worked day and night to render service to the victims of malaria which ‘broke out in epidemic form. inthe meanwhile, his parents and brothers succeeded in getting his rustcation orders withdrawn. However, Subhash joined Scottish Church College at Calcutta in July, 1917. He joined the university unit of the Territorial Army as well. This eventually helped him 25 years later when he formed Indian National Army. In 1919, he passed graduation with first class Honours in Philosophy. His parents persuaded him to go to U.K. to Compete for I.C.S. Its said, his parents purposely wanted him to leave India when situation was explosive. The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy had occurred and the young blood was out to revolt. On September 15, 1919 i.e. five months after the grim tragedy, he left India, ti felt by the historians that Subhash was not aware of the extent of atrocities perpetrated in Jallianwala Bagh, as the imperialists had clamped curfew and calamity was kept a secret. Had he known it, perhaps he might not have left for U.K, In the 1.C.S. exam, he stood fourth. This seems to have led to mental conflict as to whether or not he should jain the coveted heaven bom service. His letter to S.C. Bose-his brother-reveals this conflict and also his inner feelings. He then wrote "Indian civil service can bring one all kinds of worldly comforts but are not these acquisitions made at the44 expense of one's soul ? I think itis hypocrisy to maintain that the highest ideals of one's life are compatible with subordination to the conditions of service which an 1.C.S. man has got to accept." His father and the rest ofthe members of the family felt utterly disappointed. He submitted his resignation on April 22, 1921 and joined active politics at the age of 24 years, On February 16, 1921 he offered his services to C.R. Dass and sought advice from the latter for future line of action. He retumed to India on July 16, 1921 and vowed to dedicate his life for the freedom of his country. He met M.N. Roy and discussed about revolution with him. He had a meeting with Gandhiji also but he lid not feel impressed. In his own words,"I reached in Bombay on July 19,. 1921 and the same afternoon, I obtained an interview with Mahatma Gandhi. My object in seeking an interview with Mahatma Gandhi was to get from the leader of the campaign, I was about to join, a clear conception of his plan of action. During the last few years, I had made some study of the methods and tactics employed by revolutionary leaders in other parts of the world and in the light of that knowledge. I wanted to understand the Mahatma's mind and purpose." He left Gandhi in disgust failing to agree with his plan of action. He thought of action of his own. C.R. Dass became his ideal. He found in Das a man of massive intellect and extremely generous imbued with love for humanity. However, he did not toe his line. He depended upon his own independence of outlook and judgment. By the end of 1923, he assumed general secretary ship of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee; C.R. Das was its President. In 1927, when Simon Commission ‘was boycotted and Lala Lajpat Rai became the victim of lathi blows of the alien masters, Subhash found it a golden opportunity to launch a movement against the Government. He remarked "there is absolutely no doubt that if the ‘Congress working committee had taken courage in both hands they could have anticipated the movement of 1930 by ‘wo years "In fact, by now Subhash had been considerably infiuenced by extremist leaders. Like lak, Lala Lajpat Rai, B.C. Paul, Aurobindo and Irish Sinn Fein Movement had great impact on extremists minds, During this period, the youth movement was gradually gaining grounds. The youth congress was convened in Calcutta in August under the chairmanship of Jawaharlal Nehru, Likewise, an all India youth Congress was held under the chairmanship of R.F, Neriman. Bose was the chairman of the reception committee of the youth congress. He advocated vehemently activism though Gandhi and Aurobindo preached passivism. He raised a well disciplined Volunteer force, on the occasion. He himself was the General Commanding Officer. He attracted attention of the delegates, due to his magnetic personality and impressive uniform. At Calcutta Congress, Bose and Nehru moved an amendment to Nehru (Moti Lal Nehru) Committee report. They did not like to opt for Dominion status as envisaged by Nehru Committee report. Instead, they stood for complete independence. In his words "In the main resolution, you have given twelve months time to the British Government. Can you lay your hands on your hearts and say that there is a reasonable chance of getting Dominion status within this period ? Pandit Motilal Nehru has made it clear in his speech that he does not think so. Then why should we lower the flag for these twelve months ? Why not say we have lost the last vestige of faith in the British Government and that we are going to take a bold stand.” The amendment to the Resolution was lost, as Gandhiji's followers were predominant. Bose led an independence procession on January 23, 1930 and was sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment. In July, 1930 he resorted to hunger strike against prison treatment. On the whole, he remained quiet while in the Jail. On the release from jail, he was the Mayor of Calcuta because the elected Mayor-a prisoner- failed to take an oath within stipulated period of six months. In January 1931, he was again imprisoned for seven days for defying the ban of his, entry in a disturbed area of Bengal. Again on his release, he led a demonstration on Independence Day- the 26th of January, 1931 and was injured and arrested. Six weeks later, he was released along with other political prisoners under the Gandhi-Irwin pact. Bose did no! have faith in Gandhi Irwin pact. In fact, he was its critic. On Gandhi's suspension of Civil Disobedience ‘Movement, he remarked, ".... Itis futile to expect that we can ever bring about a change of heart in our rulers merely through our own suffering and by trying to love them. And the latest action of Mahatma Gandhi in suspending the Civil Disobedience Movement is a confession of failure as far as the present method of the Congress is concemed. We are clearly of the opinion that as a political leader Mahatma Gandhi has talled. Non-cooperation will hhave to be changed into a more militant one and the fight for freedom to be waged on all fronts." However, such a criticism did not leave much of effect on people's mind as Gandhi had resorted to fast unto death and they were feeling concerned about his health. Hence a scholar states, "what was meant to be a deadly bomb proved a damp squib2 Bose was again jailed in early thirties and released in 1937. After release he was closeted with Gandhi at Calcutta for long, as Gandhi was guest of Bose brothers for a .couple of weeks. Gandhi seemed so much impressed by Bose that he decided to have him elected President of the Congress in 1938, In fact, Gandhi was shrewd enough45 to realize that Bose was a force to recoken with and that he alone could be instrument in the split of the Congress. Since the clouds of war were hovering on the horizon, Bose considered unity among the Congressmen as the crying need of the hour. He for the first time agreed with Gandhi thatthe framing of Constitution must be left to the Indian Constituent Assembly, after India attained Independence. Bose presided over the fifty-first session of the Congress held at Haripura (in Gufarat), on February 19, 1938. His admirers described it Political coronation’ af Bose, seated majestically in a Presidential car, driven by 51 bullocks through 51 gates of honour, he acknowledged nationalist India's fervent acclaim, He exhorted his fellow Congressmen to get united for launching a struggle for Independence. In September 1938, after Munich pact, Bose exhorted the people of his motherland to prepare for a national struggle which should synchronize with the ensuing war in Europe. The Gandhites resented such a move. Bose further annoyed Gandhi by launching National Planning Committee for drawing up a comprehensive plan for industrialization - an eyesore for Gandhi. In 1939, when world war was imminent, Bose wanted to be president of the Congress again perhaps with the idea to steer the ship of the state safely through tempestuous times. He wanted the Britishers to be served with a notice of six months for leaving India for good., Gandhi was opposed to his re-election. He suggested Nehru's name but Nehru withdrew his name. Maulana Azad also declined the offer. Gandhi's next choice fell on Dr, Patabhai Sitaramayya. Bose whose name had been recommended by members of Provincial Congress Committees refused to withdraw. To the utter surprise of many, Bose defeated Dr. Pattabhai. Bose was confident of his victory as is evident from his statement "I am mathematically certain that I shall beat Sitaramaya”. ‘Thus Gandhifi who had openly supported Dr. Pattabhai suffered humiliating defeat. It was Gandhi's personal defeat to which he could not reconcile as is clear from the future events. Even Bose reacted to Gandhi's statements and views om his victory in the election with anguish. He thus remarked, "T have read the statement of. Gandhi on the recent Presidential election with all the attention that it deserves. It grieves me to find that Mahatma Gandhi has taken it as a personal defeat. I;would respectfully differ from him on this point. The voters, that is the delegates, were not called ‘upon to vote for or against Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently the result of the contest in my view and in view of the most people does not, affect him personally." Bose fell il, In the Congress session held on March, 10 1939 the photograph of Bose was his substitute in the Presidential procession. Bose could not attend many important sessions. He moved a resolution aiming at self determination for India within six months under threat of Civil disobedience but it was defeated. Bose felt humiliated. On the third day of the session, Pant moved resolution expressing confidence in Gandhi and the former working committee. By implication, it conveyed lack of confidence in Bose. The resolution conveyed a directive regarding the constitution of the working committee. Evidently, Bose was bound to consult Gandhi which he did by a prolonged correspondence. Gandhiji however maintained that he had nothing to do with Pants' resolution. Bose persistingly asked Gandhiji to suggest names for the working committee. Instead Gandhiji remarked in writing, on April 29, 1939 : "You have asked me to give you in terms of Pants' resolution the names for the working committee. As I have told you in my letters and telegrams, I feel incompetent to do so." This led Bose to tender resignation. On his resignation, HLV Kamath says, "Itis however a tibute to his revolutionary genius that he was not out to disrupt or weaken the Congress at a time of grave international crisis and active internal ferver, he was fully alive to the colossal task of ‘projecting the Congress and the nation as a solid phalanx against British Imperialism and its exploitation of Indian resources in the event of war. Any split of the Congress would have defeated the purpose (ar which he clearly envisaged." ‘After resigning from Presidenship of the Congress, he formed a new party named as Forward Block. On June 22, 1939, All India Conference of the Forward Block held at Bombay, framed a Constitution according to which the Block had to function within the Congress and aimed at Independence for India. Only primary members of the Congress could seek membership of the Block. That speaks of greatness of Subhash and fervent patriotism, he embodied in himself. He did not like Congress to suffer a set back. In the first conference of the Forward Block, the Left Consolidation Committee comprising the Congress Socialist party, the Nation Front, the Radical Democratic party and the Forward Block itself, was constituted. These units had equal voice. The Congress, however, took it as a challenge by the Leftists and passed certain resolutions, which were opposed by Bose. Bose toured the country, addressed meetings, and propagated against cooperation of India with the British war efforts. The Congress also in the meanwhile realized its folly. On September 8, 1939, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha to decide regarding India’s attitude towards war. Bose, a special invitee gave clarion call for not missing the golden opportunity provided by war. He suggested the immediate starting of struggle for Independence. In October, 1939,46 anti-imperialism conference was convened at Nagpur by Foward Block. In March, 1940, the Block organised a huge demonstration called All India Anticompromise conference at Ramgath where Congress was also holding its conference, Gandhi took it s a great challenge to bis leadership. On the other hand, Forward Block was harassed and persecuted by the British. Bose was expelled from the Congress though the Bengal Pradesh Congress President always consulted him, That reflects his popularity in the Congress. He was rearrested on July 2, 1940 as he had announced his plan to demolish Holvell Monument on July 2 along with his voluateers. This was the eleventh term of jail pilgrimage of Bose. Perhaps, this was to be his last. He was elected as a member of the Central Legislative Assembly in absentia. Normally, he should have enjoyed immunity from arrest on account of Central Assembly ‘membership but this right was denied to Bose, India being a slave country, Bose longed for motherland's freedom while in jail. He felt restive and wanted to do something spectacular. He hit upon a plan. He resorted to fast unto death from November. 29, 1940 against illegalities perpetrated upon him by the British government. He wamed the British against forced feeding. As his condition deteriorated, he was released on December 5, 1940 and put under house arrest. He was now a physical wreck. Hence his doctors advised his relatives not to visit him, One January 16, 1941 he announced his intention to remain in seclusion in his bed room and observe silence. Next day, he slipped from his house in disguise. His disappearance was known only on January 26, 1941. It created a str: People in general fell that he might have taken to sanayas and gone to Pondicherry or the Himalayas. His dramatic and courageous act of disappearance "was a shot in the arm to the nationalists" and an exposition of hollowness of the security forces of the Imperialists. His flight exhibited the indomitable will of the Indian patriots and served as a writing on the wall. In the disguise of a pathan, he crossed the Indian border and went to Germany via Kabul. In the words of Das, “"Bose's dramatic escape to Germany and the organization of the Free India Centre, the Azad Hind Radio and the Azad Hind Fauj proved his consummate skill as diplomat par excellence’, . .. He was hopeful of a negotiated settlement with Hitler. He even put proposal of forming of a contingent of Indian prisoners of war in Europe, to fight along with the Nazis, if Germany could promise to free India from the Britishers yoke. His efforts proved fatile. Hider was not responsive. Hence Bose felt disillusioned and disgusted. In the meanwhile, he received an appeal from Rash Bihari Bose-a revolutionary-who had been involved in the bomb attack on Harding in 1912 at Delhi and had escaped to Japan to lend him a helping hand, Rash Bihari had organised an Indian national army to support Japan's ‘war efforts. He was hopeful of Japanese help for the liberation of India and wanted Subhash Bose to take the mantle of leadership because he himself had gone old, Subhash promptly accepted the invitation, He went to Japan in June, 1943 met Indian prisoners of war in Japanese camp, won their hearts by his charismatic personality and established the Indian National Army comprising 60000 soldiers.3 He gave the clarion call to the Indian soldiers: “Give me blood and 1 promise you freedom." He led the Army through Burma, crossed into India along with the Japanese army. He moved from one battle field to another, instilling patriotism in the Indian national army. He flew from ‘Tokyo to Manila, to Singapore, to Ranyonss, ‘March to Delhi’ was his battle cry. From February, 1944 to April 1945 the I.N.A. campaigned heroically against the Allied forces. They entered Indian Territory. Unfortunately on August 18, 1945, at 2, PM. while on his way to Tokyo from Singapore, Bose's plane-a Bomber met an accident at Taihokn in Formosa. He was severely wounded. He succumbed to burn injuries at Tungti Military hospital on 18th of August 11945 at zero hour Tn the plane Col. Habibur Rehman was the only comrade-in-arm with Netaji. He too received ‘minor injuries at hands. On 2ist August 1945, Netai's cremation took place al Taipeh crematorium before his faithful comrade-Col. Rehman, the only witness from amongest the crores of worshipping countrymen. "SHis mortal ashes were collected by Col. Rehman on August 22,1945. On September 14, 1945 his ashes were kept at Renkoji temple in ‘Tokyo. In the words of Das "after living as gellant.....a8 did Lord Krishna Netali too chose a far flung obscure island to shuffle up his mortal coils and glide into eternity."6 Out of reverence and unfathomable love for him, people of India were not prepared to accept that Netaji was dead. The story of his death was considered as false and concocted, Hence two commissions-one under ILN.A. hero Shah Nawaz Khan and the other under justice G.D. Khosla were appointed to discern the facts about his death, Both gave ‘a lear verdict about his death in a crash. However, the beloved Netajt is apt to remain immortal by his selfless service and unparalleled devotion and dedication to the cause of India's freedom, In the words of Sarojni Naidu "The name of Subhash Chandra Bose is an integral part of the history of India’s fight for freedom. The last years of his lifecf indeed they are the last years of his life-are charged with vivid drama and present tous a stirring and moving image of a great patriot. With an implacable passion for liberty whose intrepid courage and remarkable gift ofa7 initiative, imagination, organization and leadership found their fullest expression in a foreign land. ... for the independence of India. His finest achievement to my mind was the deep sense of national unity, he was able to kindle im his army and the profound and almost fanatical love and loyalty he was able to inspire.” No doubt his whole life imperialism”.6A ‘was “our long persistent uncompromising struggle against British i Political Ideas of Netaji Netaji was more of a patriot and a revolutionary national leader than a political philosopher or a theorist. He was 2 rilitant crusader for swaraj and fiery orator who could instill patriotism in his comtrymen. However, be did reflect upon the course and evolution of the national movement. These reflections can be categorised as his political ideas. His famous book "The Indian Sougele"? is full of minute analysis and such keen reflections. He in fact started his career as a spiritual idealist and ended as a political realist. "His contributions to political radicalism, spiritual nationalism and his political goal of complete independence provided the basis for a new style of politcal action and dynamism in the cause of the liberation of India from the shackles of alien rule.8” Following are some of his political ideas. (A) Asa Gaitic of Gandhi Despite Gandhi's vehement opposition to him as stated in the preceding pages, Netafi held Ganchi to great reverence. On July 6, 1944 he broadcast his message from the Rangoon radio. It is revealing. He remarked, "No body would be ‘more happy than ourselves if by any chance, our countrymen at home should succeed in liberating themselves through their own efforts ot if by any chance, the British Government accepts your Quit India resolution and gives cffect to it. We are however proceeding on the assumption that neither of the above is possible and that an armed struggle is inevitable. . India's last war of Independence has begun. . Father of our nation! In this holy war of India's, liberation, we ask for your blessings and your wishes” (July 6, 1944) However his difference of opinion from Gandhiji on the following points is an undeniable fact. @ In Gandhism, politics was not discussed on its own plane. It was not divorced from morality. Rather religion and politics were intertwined. ‘Bose was of the view “we have to ender unto Caesar what is Caesar's”.9 In a way, moral ‘orientation to politics did not appeal to Bose. Being a staunch realist, he believed in political bargaining and x times keeping up appearances. He did not commend the open heartedness and simplicity of Gandhi who placed all cards on the table when he represented India as sole representative of the Congress in the Second Round Table Conference held in London in 1931, He remarked, "The secret of political bargaining is to look more strong than you really are.10 He wanted Gandhi to speak at the Second Round Table Conference firmly. “If... the Mahatma would have spoken in the language of Dictator Stalin or Duce Mussolini or Fubrer Hier, John Bull woold have understood and ‘would lave bowed his head in respect."11 Evidently Bose was a pragmatic politician whereas Gandhi was a moralist philosopher, if Gandhi believed in truth and morality for dealing with political opponents, Bose opted for political ‘expediency 2s his too for confronting them. Bose felt that Gandhi failed to understand the psychology of opponents. (i) Gandhi believed in good means for the achievement of good ends. "As the means so the end” was Gandhi's ‘thinking. If Gandhi believed in listening to inner voice, Bose believed in diplomatic calculation and political strength. ‘Bose felt that Gandhian non violent non cooperation and civil disobedience movements were based on passive resistance instead of active resistance Gandhian passivisim led to a policy of compromise-the greatest thorn in the flesh of India's freedom. Independence admitred no compromise. ‘Base felt that non-violence alone could not usher in era of Swaraj. Non-violent Satyagrah could arouse public opinion but not result in dawning of independence. Hence he wanted non-viclence to be: by diplomacy and international propaganda. He appreciated diplomatic technics of C.R. Dass and Pt. Moti Lal Neha, He took to arms against the British, though as already said, he sought the blessings of Gandhi in his broadcast at Rangoon radio, If Gandhi was a votary of non-violence, Base did not hesitate in crossing swords against the British when be got an ‘opportunity to do so. in the words of Das "Bose was mystic like Gandhi but he did not altogether rule out the importance of force in the life of nation and this led to the differences in their attrude towards means and ends."12 (Gil) Gandhi stood for the concept of the whole Indian nation. As such, he was the spokesman of the, haves’ and have nots, alike. Bose on the other hand considered conflict between the bave's and the have notes as inevitable. He was, of the opinion that the rich are apc to side with the Imperialists. He fell, emergence of Leftist party alone would crystalize the more militant and radical forces. Such a party outside the pale of Gandhian leadership, could alone help48 i Gandhi's chiove independence. Bose thus remarked, ",...India's salvation will not be achieved under Mahatma ; moon as changed his opinion when he realized Gandhi's importance tsps. He ( fe Presidential speech at Haripur, "India cannot afford to Tose him and certainly nota this hour. We m4 cause of Indian independence. What is more-we need him for the cause of humanity. scala 2) Bose shared Mazzinis concept of nation as the radiant and luminous mother. Gandhi diverted people's attention {ents enchandng concept othe de problems of the counay Like poverty, untovehabliy and other social evil. ‘To help was a religious passion for Gandhi, Bose believed in Indias spiritual mission to the world. It did not appeal to Gandhi,13 Bose did not appreciate Gandhi's conscious and unconscious exploitation of the sentiments of the Indian people who have deep seated veneration for saints and seers. Bose felt that such capitalization of mass sentiments gave a set-back to objective thinking and rational analysis. As such, it was irrational politcal technique. Here Bose was rather too critical of Gandhi whose love for people was proverbial and not hypocritical associated with modern saints and seers. (B) Necessity of Self-abnegation Nation building entailed self-sufering and self-abnegation. Here he seems to be influenced by Swami Vivekanand. ‘There is no realization without renunciation, Hence he felt that if dream of political freedom was to be realized, it was essential to undergo sufferings and believe in self-abnegation, (©) Social and Economic Freedom Indispensable Political freedom alone was not enough. He did fight for political freedom but emphasised the dire necessity of social and economic freedoms. He said "the logic of history will therefore follow its inevitable course, The political struggle will have to be conducted simultaneously. The party that will win political freedom for India will be also the party thac will win social and economic freedom for the masses.14 (D) Leftism in Bose By the thirties, Bose had become a notable votary of Leftism. If in the twenties, his leftism’ was reflected from his ‘opposition to the demand of Dominion status, in thirties his letism showed the clearest economic orientation. In his presidential address at the All-India Compromise Conference held at Ramgarh on March 19, 1940 he remarked, "... ‘When freedom comes, the age of national reconstruction will commence and that will be the socialist phase of our movement. Leftist will be those who will wage an uncompromising fight with imperialism, ..In the next phase of our movement. Leftism will be synonymous with socialism... ." However Bose could never become orthodox Marxist, Hindu spiritualist philosophy could not let him take to dialectical Materialism of Marx. He did, however, support socialistic ideology. In his Presidential address at Haripura, he remarked "I have no doubt in my mind that our chief national problems relating to the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and disease and to scientific production and distribution can be effectively tackled only along socialistic lines."15 He stood for eradication of poverty and weeding ‘out of illiteracy, abolition of landlordism, the liquidation of agricultural indebtedness and industrial development under state ownership and state's control. Hs remarks in the Presidential speech are worth mentioning." "The state on the advice of a planning commission will have to adopt a comprehensive scheme for gradually socializing our entire agricultural and industrial system in both the spheres of production and appropriation."16 He advocated propagation of socialism and stood for the interest of the working classes, In a broadcast from Berlin he said, "To fight and win India’s liberty then build up in India with full freedom to determine her own furure-with no interference. Free India will have a social order based on the eternal principles of justice, equality and fraternity.17 He envisaged emergence of Leftist party in free India having the following programme : () The party will stand for the interest of the masses and not for the vested interests, i) Tewill stand for the complete politcal and economic liberation of the Indian people. (Gil) Tewill cater to Federal scheme in India as the ultimate goal but will believe in strong Central Government with dictatorial powers for some years to come, (iv) Itwill believe in 2 sound system of state planning for the reorganisation of the agricultural and industrial life of the county. (Ic will build up her social structure on the basis of the village communities ofthe past49 (vi) It will seek to abolish landlordism and introduce a uniform land tenure system for India. (vii) It will not stand for democracy in the mid Victorian sense of the term but will believe in Government by a strong party bound together by military discipline as the only means of holding India together. (ili) It will resort to international propaganda, to strengthen India’s case for liberty and will attempt existing intemational organisations. (ix) It will endeavour to unite all the radical organisations under a national executive.18 Bose’s attempts atleft- consolidation did not receive much success. His Forward Block however, did launch an uncompromising struggle against British Imperialism. ‘A ctitical analysis of the above programme of the party reveals that Bose was one of the pioneers of socialist ideals. In fact as already said, he had been instrumental in fornsing left wing in the Congress party in collaboration with | ‘Jawaharlal. As President of the Trade Union Congress he proclaimed, "we stand for socialism for full fledged ‘socialism."19 In March, 1931 at Naujawan Bharart Sabha conference, he defined Indian socialism as political freedom, complete economic emancipation and complete social ‘equality. He prophesied that "socialism is not an immediate problem with us — nevertheless socialist propaganda is necessary to prepare the country for socialism ‘when political freedom has been won."20 These remarks clearly indicate that Netaji had socialistic Jeanlings. In case, he had been alive and got an opportunity of guiding the destiny of our nation, he might have striven for a dear cut socialism and not half-hearted or paralysed socialism as envisaged by his contemporaries who were formate enough to hold the reins of the Government after 1947, He would have evoked new brand of socialism in consonance with historical traditions and geographical configuration of India. He would have avoided the extremes of Marxism and Gandhism and opted for a synthesis of material and spiritual values. (E) Bose and his Forward Block ‘Subhash founded Forward Block to forge a unity amongst the forces that believed in strong opposition to the British ule in India and its immediate fall This party was to aim at prompt attainment of freedom. The guiding principles of the party can be summarised as follows: (® Complete national independence and uncompromising anti-imperialist struggle for attaining it. (i) A thoroughly modem and socialist state. (iii) Scientific large scale production for the economic regeneration of the county. Gv) Social ownership and control of both production and distribution. (v) Freedom for the individual in the domain of religious worship. (vi) Linguislic and cultural autonomy for all sections of the Indian community. (vit) Equal rights for all individuals. (viii) Adoption of the principle of equality and social justice for building up the New order in free India21 Dr. V.P. ‘Verma comments that the principle of political freedom has not been given any place in the above principles. He considers it a deliberate omission, He remarks, “In a sense political freedom may be said to be comprehended in equality of rights but from the stand point of democratic political philosophy, a more categorical enunciation of political freedom would have been appreciated."22 In fact it is a far-fetched conclusion. Subhash fought for political freedom of the country like a valient soldier. He could not have deliberately omitted freedom from these guidelines of ‘the party. The latter events stand witness to the fact, that he sacrificed his life for the emancipation of his motherland and achievement of long denied political freedom. () Bose and Fascism Bose was a staunch realist. As such, he did not hesitate knocking at the doors of strong men to seek military assistance for the liberation of his motherland, His emotional leanings towards fascist dictators of Europe and Asia, cannot be denied as he did meet all of them and sought their assistance. He applauded Gandhi's visit to Italy and his encounter with Mussolini in 1931, He remarked, "The Mahatma rendered great public service by his visit to lal. ‘The only regret is that he did not stay there longer and did not cultivate more personal contacts."23 He was no doubt opposed to Victorian Democracy in U.K. or the Bourgeols Republic of France. He prophesied that he would be soon going to opt for a synthesis of Communism and Fascism, He described that synthesis as "samyavada" He described50 certain traits of communism discernible in fascism as well. For instance both believed in supremacy of the state over the individual. Both denounced parliamentary democracy. Both stood for party rule of all dissenting minorities. Both advocated industrialization. He opined that these common traits will form the basis of the new synthesis-Samyavada -the doctrine of equality. He wanted India to work out this synthesis. Though such an idea emanating from the mind of a votary of freedom seems rather paradoxical, yet this idea did emanate from the mind of one-time Vedantic mystic, may be because he was too keen to loosen the chains of British Imperialism. He, being an extreme nationalist, did not hesitate to seek assistance from the Axis powers which had established themselves as supreme and shaken the so-called democracies-the Allies. His designation as "Neta" meaning "Fuhrer" should not lead us to conclude that he would have been as ruthless as Hitlerthe fulrer-was. He did not at all advocate the main tenets of Fascism viz imperialistic expansion, cult of racial supremacy, boosting of exploiting classes, belief in dominance of the will and intention of the leader. Hence it will be highly unjust to denounce him fascist. He believed in the concepts of equality and internationalism which were the main victims at the hands of the fascist dictators. ~{G) Bose and Nationalism ‘SubhaSh was an ardent nationalist and an arch patriot. His resignation from coveted I.C.S. Service, his frequent arrests for the sake of struggle for independence, his dramatic disappearance despite tight security arrangements of the British security forces, his encounters with Hider, Mussolini and Japanese Emperor, his formation of INA, and becoming head of provisional goverment, his stiring speeches from Singapore Radio and finally his air crash while (on a secret mission reflect that he was an embodiment of patriotism and ardent nationalism. Though he has not made any theoretical contibution towards the development of concept of Nationalism yet as a practical man of action, endowed with towering genius, he popularised ideal of supremacy of the nation in a country which inherited legacy of feudalism, ecclesiasticism and despotic imperialism. His fanatical devotion to the cause of emancipation of India from the clucches of the British imperialists and his intense suffering for the sake of the Nation will always eam him the title of front-ranking national hero, He was proud of the Indian culture, religion and everything that constituted the great heritage and civilization of India. He was convinced that India could not take its right place in the comity of nations if it was not made completely free from British domination."24 His creating soldiers out of surrendering enemy armies, gathering sources for them from amongst a fraction of his countrymen and keeping their morale boosted in hunger and starvation, is a saga of bravery and undaunted ness, That speaks of his intense nationalism, In the words of Harin Shah "He welded into a passionate legion of patriots, Hindus and Muslims, Sikhs and Christian millionaires and wage-earners, men, women and children that would ever remain, memorable and merge into our heritage25 Addressing his soldiers, Bose said, "The hour is struck and every Indian rust advance towards the field of battle. When the blood of freedom loving Indians begins to flow, Indians will attain freedom." When he took over as commander of I.N.A., he said in a special order. "In the interest of Indian Independence movement and of Azad Hind Fauj, Ihave taken over the direct command of our Army from third day. This is for me a matter of joy and pride-for an Indian there can be no greater honour than to be (he commander of India's Army of Liberation.'26 His patriotism and intense nationalism is revealed also from the fact that he did not surrender Indias’ interests to Germans or Japanese. He made clear to the Japanese that they would not take over the last stage of the march and its reward too. Shah states, "The Japanese could not mistake him as puppet and not a single Japanese could set his foot on Indian soil to replace the white ruler by the yellow."27 ‘Netaji was himself clear about self efforts to liberate India. Help from the Japanese was not to be construed as bartering away India's interests or jeopardising India's liberty if atlained from the yoke of the Britishers. He remarked, ""The task of liberating India is ours’ and ours' alone. That responsibility, we shall not cast on anybody else because that would be against our national honour." ‘The early critics of Subhash used to denounce him anti-nationalist on the plea that he was out to seck help from Imperialists who will entrench themselves firmly on the soil of India which will again be under a different bondage. Their contention proves fallacious, if we analyse the later events and also Nelaji's assertion, Getting conscious of such criticism he said,"Do you believe that I have brains enough not to be fooled by them. Then trust my word when I assure you that the Japs cannot double-cross us, They can only do that if ‘we do not organise properly, if we fail in raising a proper army of Indian's to fight for our freedom-with discipline, ‘we must be ready for every sacrifice.” His strong opposition to British Imperialism and non-compromising attitude towards them whom he described as hypocrites and exploiters, is another proof of an arch nationalist, imbued withthe patriotic idea of ridding his country from foreigners thralldom. The British foo dubbed him as their enemy. "In his broadcast from Berlin on April 26, »*51 1942, he emphasised "Britain's paid propagandists have been calling him an enemy agent. I need no credentials when I speak to my own people. My whole life is one long, persistent uncompromising struggle against British Imperialism and is the best guarantee of my bonafides. All my life I have been the servant of india. Until the last hour of my life, shall remain one. My allegiance and loyalty have ever been and will ever be to India alone no matter in which part of the world I may be." Again on July 4, 1943, while inaugurating conference of Free India Movement leaders at Singapore, he exhorted his comrades-in-arms in the words which will ever resound in the ears of the Indian Patriots, taking cudgels against the imperialists. He said. .."... We have a grim fight ahead of us, for the enemy is at once powerful, unscrupulous and ruthless. In this final march to freedom, you will have to face hunger, thirst, privation, forced marches and death. Only when you pass this test, will freedom be yours. I am confident that you will bring freedom and prosperity to your enslaved and impoverished land.” After the formation of LLN.A., Netaji addressed the. soldiers of Azad Hind Fayj after the march past in front of Town Hall Singapore. This address is a piece of literature, a testament of heroism, nay a vivid portrayal of the heart of a patriot. He said, "To day is the proudest day of my life. ‘To-day it has pleased Providence to give me the unique honour of announcing to the whole world that India's Army of Liberation has come into being. . . This is the Army that will emancipate India from British yoke. . . Standing today on the graveyard of the British Empire, even a child is convinced that the almighty British Empire is already a thing of the past... comrades. . . let your battle cry be "To Delhi, to Delhi" ... It is your privilege and honour to be the first to come Forward and organise India's National Army: Comrades, you are today the custodians of India's national honour and embodiment of India's hopes and aspirations. . . It does not 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 make her free...” Again addressing them in a sticing speech and issuing a Proclamation before setting up Provisional goverament be thus remarked, "Having goaded Indians to desperation by its hypocrisy and having driven them to starvation and death by plunder and loot, British rule in India has forfeited the goodwill of the Indian people altogether and is now living a precarious existence. It needs but 2 flame to destroy the last vestige of that unhappy rule. To light that flame is the task of India's Army of Liberation. . . Now that dawn of freedom is at hand, itis the duty of the Indian people to set up a provisional government of their own and launch the last struggle under the banner of that government... ‘The Provisional government is entitled to and hereby claims the allegiance of every Indian. . . In the name of God, in the name of bygone generations. . and in the name of dead heroes. . . we, call upon the Indian people to rally round our banner and to strike for India’s freedom..." The proclamation was signed by Subhash Bose Head of State and PM. and Minister of war and foreign affairs and other members of the government on October 21, 1943. ‘Netaji nationalism never suffered defeat. He was optimistic even amidst the darkest hour of his grim battle for independence. His message before his almost last journey speaks of his intense nationalism. "Darkest hour provides the dawn. India shall be free and before long."28 His prophesy came out to be true. India was freed two years later though Subhash the arch-nationalist could not live longer to see her free. fis Method AAs is clear from the preceding account, Bose though a mystic was radical in his approach. His militant approach is an acknowledged fact. He was of the view that no country could achieve independence without any sacrifice and without ‘waging a war. These convictions resulted in his pursuing a militant policy and be an exponent of revolution when the official Congress was the vorary of moderation. In the words of Das,"While Gandhi talked of non violent satyagraha, Base who had bitter experience of British violence against peaceful satyagrahis, advocated viclent methods of revolution and war with foreign help to oust the foreign exploiters from the sacred soil of India."29 He denounced the policy of the moderates. He was impressed by Aurobindos' slogan of necessity for purification by blood and fire, before the attainment of the goal of freedom. Since the British fought with sword, they should be fought back with sword. His insistence on complete ‘independence, his faith in the divinity of the Motherland for whose liberation from bondage there was the necessity of the immense sacrifice and his theory of the religious character of the national movement was the product of Extremist traditions. By his voluminous writing and speeches, he made immense contribution to these political theories and attached to them historic significance."However, he was not an advocate of terrorism or anarchism though he commended daring acts of terrorists and the sacrifices made by them. He was conscious of the fact that such activities could not lead to liberation of Indians. Hence he did not join any terrorist organization. Some theorists ‘who pass derogatory judgment on the heroic deeds of Bose and his I.N.A. in fact judge him from the yardstick of Gandhian satyagraha which is rather unfair."30 Acharaya Kriplani rightly remarks. "... When the ‘congressmen have52 ‘w juve dhe actions of Shi Sublsh Bose and hls: companions In I.N.A, they would be wrong to judge them by the stanatal a satya, 1 wont be an injstiee done to leave cut patriots who fought for the freedom of thelr land as valanatly as patulous ti any Tate in the: Bast or the West, fn thelr effort to liberate thls country from forelgn yoke, they {ool the bigest personal risks, Many of them whitened the battle flelds of Assam and Burma with thelr bones. "31 ‘Wesides lhe made remarkable contribution to theory of Boycott and passive resistance, He exhorted people for evasion of tins and reventc, colleetton, adaption of measires which prevent financtal or maitary help to the government, whining over the sympatty and support of present supporters of Gortle Army, police and civil servants ‘and actual attempts to seek power by arms." Conclusion Tnalia was five bofare long, Hreedo daggned ut alas the sun which had set ablaze the path of freedom had set. Hs ‘morta frame badle good bye (o his motherland (rom high skies of a distant alien land which he chose to be an area of tis operation agatnst the mighty Brlttsh empire, But Newt is apt to remain immortal so long as the posterity remembers with reverential gratitude the saga of bravery and undaunted ness of the legendary genius Subhash Bose. Vis fearless courage, bls reckless abandon, his fering and sacrifice have become a part of the India's struggle for freedom, Future genevation will hear the wtnuzl, vot his life with pride, reverence and salute him as one of the great heroes who heralded Ineia's dawn."32 ‘ However purely from political thought point of view, we agree with V.P, Verma who said,"Bose deserves consideration in the history of modem Tudlan political theory for having popularised the fdeas of national freedom, socalisna andl synthesis of communism and hasclsm33, Bose was more of a nationalist than a socialist, more of a realist chan a theortst or a sentimentalist. His contribution ties in cranslating alls political theories into action, As such, he was an activist a Karam Yogi who look pride in holding “India would make history and a people who make history, can never be saddled with dogmas whether social tor politcal,...ideological disputes are luxuries for « subject people."34 Besides, an analytical study of his political ‘views reveals that he was a staunch secularist, He did not believe in discriminations may be on the basis of religions ‘or provinces, His L.N.A, comprised Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. He made his soldiers reatize that they were the sons of the same soil, Col, Habibur Rahman a Mustim had the privilege of accompanying him on his last fatal journey and collect his mortal ashes-the duty which Is performect iy theveliost son in Hindu families. A staunch secularist Gandhi's glowing tibute to Netajl speaks for itself. He said, "the greatest Jesson that we can draw from Netaj’s life is the way In which he infused the spirit of unity amongst his men so that they could rise above all religious and provincial barriers and shed together blood for the common cause. His unique achievement would surely immortalize ‘him in the pages of history. He was Indian first and last..." His ts a supreme sacrifice towards the attainment of independence, His courageous disappearance from House arrest, the formation of T.N.A. on the alien soil and finally ‘vials of the LLN.A, heroes viz General Shalt Nawaz Khan, Col. Dhillon, and Capt. Shegal resulted in intense patriotic "upsurge in the country which eventually forestalled the day of days-August 15,1947, We conclude with the words of Ayer "Suilice 1 to say dhat Netajt did wage Indta's second! war of Independence and hastened Indias’ freedom by at Teast ten years.35