Netaji

by Krishna Bose

In January 1941, Netaji made a dramatic escape from his Calcutta residence where he had been kept under house arrest by the British. Prior to that, he had been a member of the Indian civil services, but resigned to fight for his country's independence. His public life was stormy and eventful, culminating in his appointment as Congress president even against the wishes of Mahatma Gandhi. He organized the Indian National Army, turning men into officers, uniting them in the country's cause, irrespective of religion, caste, sect or region. The Red Fort trials revealed his story, as well as that of the Ina, to the Indian people, inspiring them to rise one last time against the British before finally being granted independence.

72 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Rishvanth Reddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most gripping Biography of Netaji written by Krishna Bose, three time MP and widow of Netaji’s nephew Sisir Kumar Bose(he drove Netaji in car for latter’s escape from Calcutta to Kabul in 1941, the time when Netaji was under continuous British radar). Written with passion and in simple language , It explored major ideological stands of Netaji and also showed how he was able to attract masses with his charisma. One incident that epitomise his charisma is his meeting with Japan Prime Minister Tojo, who wasn’t very enthusiastic about the question of India’s independence before meeting Netaji. A few days after meeting, Tojo made a historic declaration in the Japanese parliament assuring all support to Indian freedom movement. He was also a great orator. On July 5th 1943, addressing 13,000 soldiers of Indian National Army in Singapore, he said, “For the present I can offer you nothing except hunger, thirst, privation, forced marches and death. But if you follow me in life and in death as I am confident you will, I shall lead you to victory and freedom”. Speaking to Habeeb-ur-Rahaman in the military Hospital, where he was taken after the plane crash, he told,”When you go back to the motherland, tell my countrymen that I have been fighting for the liberation of my country till the last breath of my life; they must continue the struggle, India shall be free and before long. No power can keep India enslaved any longer”. Netaji left behind grand legacy and ideals for rebuilding this country. It was Netaji’s belief: ‘In this mortal world everything perishes and will perish – but ideas, ideals and dreams do not…the ideas, ideals and dreams of one generation are bequeathed to the next’. This book is must read for everyone who are enthusiastic and are trying to generate enthusiasm on this man and his ideals.