Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, also known as 'Parakram Diwas' or Courage Day, is celebrated annually on 23 January to honour one of India's most prominent freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. From establishing and leading the Indian National Army to forming alliances against the British during World War II, Netaji was among the key figures to lay the foundation for the modern Indian state. This year marks the 128th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Now as we celebrate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti today, here's everything to know about India's iconic freedom fighter.
Born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, Subhas Chandra Bose was the ninth child of Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi. Growing up, he was a bright student who completed his BA in Philosophy from the Presidency College in Calcutta (today known as Kolkata). His father also sent him to England to appear for the Civil Services Examination. He scored the highest marks in English and placed fourth overall.
It was in 1921 that he resigned from the Indian Civil Service and returned to India. His frequent run-ins with the authorities earned him notoriety as a rebel by the then-British government in India. Netaji worked under the mentorship of prominent Congress leader Chittaranjan Das who, along with Motilal Nehru, left the Congress Party to form the Swaraj Party in 1922.
In 1923, Netaji was elected the President of All India Youth Congress Committee and the Secretary of Bengal State Congress. Subhash Chandra Bose briefly served as the mayor of Calcutta in 1930.
Netaji travelled across Europe in the 1930s, and met leaders including Benito Mussolini. After returning to India, he became Congress president in 1938, leading to his multiple attempts to restore India's independence.
Netaji left behind a legacy that has inspired generations of young Indians over the years. To honour his efforts in restoring Indian freedom, the government in 2021 announced that 23rd January will be celebrated as 'Parakram Diwas.'
According to the Government of India, this initiative is in order to inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as the legendary freedom fighter did.
Here are some inspirational quotes by Subhas Chandra Bose:
"Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!"
"Soldiers who always remain faithful to their nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice their lives, are invincible."
"Freedom is not given, it is taken."
"It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength."
"One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives."
GK Questions with Answers on Subhas Chandra Bose
Q1: When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897.
Q2: Where was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack, Odisha.
Q3: Which prestigious civil service exam did Subhas Chandra Bose clear in England?
Answer: He cleared the Indian Civil Services (ICS) in the year 1920.
Q4: When did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Indian Civil Services?
Answer: In the year 1921, Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the civil services to participate in the freedom movement.
Q5: Who was Subhas Chandra Bose’s political mentor?
Answer: Chittaranjan Das.
Q6: When did Subhas Chandra Bose became the President of the Indian National Congress?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose was elected the President of Indian National Congess in the Haripura Session in 1938.
Q7: Which political party did Subhas Chandra Bose establish in 1939?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose established the Forward Bloc in Makur Village in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh on May 3, 1939.
Q8: What was the name of the army with which Subhas Chandra Bose fough against British rule?
Answer: He was the commander in chief of the Indian National Army (INA) which fought against the British Rule.
Q9: When was INA established?
Answer: Indian National Army (INA) was established in the September, 1942 by Mohan Singh.
Q10: Which slogan is famously associated with Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: The famous slogan associated with Subhas Chandra Bose was "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!"
Q11: What was the code name used by Subhas Chandra Bose during his escape to Germany?
Answer: Orlando Mazzotta.
Q12: When did Subhas Chandra Bose coined the slogan "Jai Hind"?
Answer: Jai Hind was coined by Subhas Chandra Bose in the year 1941.
Q13: What was the name of the women's regiment formed under Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership?
Answer: Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Q14: Which book was authored by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: "The Indian Struggle."
Q15: Which German leader did Subhas Chandra Bose meet during World War II?
Answer: Adolf Hitler.
Q16: Who was the wife of Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Emilie Schenkl
Q17: Who is the daughter of Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Anita Bose (Pfaff)
Q.18 Who was the brother of Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: Sarat Chandra Bose
Q19: What was the name of INA’s march song?
Answer: The name of INA march song is "Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja" and it was composed by Captain Ram Singh Thakuri.
Q20: In which battle did the INA fight alongside Japanese forces in India?
Answer: Battle of Imphal in 1944.
