Parakram Diwas

 (Hello my readers! How are you? It has been quite long since I have written anything these days. I have been preoccupied with some activity or the other- mid exams, celebrations, official visits through the toastmasters club, and lots of other stuff. But, you know, I want to plan my writing instead of making it erratic. Should I have deadlines like once in a month or one-and-a-half month? Do comment your opinion.)

As I was trying to figure out what to write next, a message from college popped up on my phone. It stated 'Please do participate in the Nationwide essay writing competition conducted by the Government of India on Subhas Chandra Bose's contribution towards the freedom struggle.' This got me excited. I rolled up my sleeves, wore my thinking caps and got ready to do the job. This is the essay I submitted on the aforementioned topic. I have made a few changes here and there before publishing it as a blog. Your views matter a lot. So please do give me your honest opinion and help in propelling my growth as a writer. The essay is as follows:

Subhas Chandra Bose- also widely known as Netaji- is a very popular figure among the masses and is remembered for his ideologies and decisions. His famous slogan ‘GIVE ME BLOOD AND I WILL GIVE YOU FREEDOM’ is unforgettable and still reverberates throughout the country. He continues to remain an inspiration for today’s generation for his far-sightedness and his approach in combating problems.

Bose was a staunch advocate for complete freedom and didn’t want the country to achieve freedom in parts. He rose against all kinds of discrimination as a student and never hesitated to fight for his rights. Due to his outspoken attitude, he was expelled several times and was classified as a rebel-Indian. But despite all this, Bose was an exceptional student. He passed his ICS exam. But after the Jallianwala Bagh incident he was shattered. He decided to put his heart and soul working for the country’s freedom.

He joined the INC and worked actively to enlighten the youth and students about the importance of achieving freedom and the atrocities committed by Britishers. He played an active part in igniting a spark in the young blood. He started the newspaper ‘Swaraj’ with the sole intention to spread the word about injustice prevailing under the British rule. He even wrote the book ‘The Indian Struggle’ which charted the Indian Independence movement which was in turn, banned by the British.

He had a lot of respect and admiration for Gandhiji despite certain ideological differences and was the person who gave him the title ‘Father of the Nation.’ He also revered Swami Vivekananda as his guru and followed his teachings and principles.

‘One individual may die for an idea. But that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives. That is how the wheel of evolution moves on and the ideas and dreams of one nation are bequeathed to the next.’  Netaji believed that a person continues to live in the world after his death only through his morals. 

Bose was also the pioneer behind the revival of the Azad Hind Fauj or the Indian National Army (INA) first established by Mohan Singh. He believed in the paramount importance the Army's fearlessness and invincibility hold in order to defeat the enemy.

He went to great lengths to achieve freedom for the country. So much so, that he escaped from the clutches of the Britishers twice and travelled by different mediums- car, train and even by foot. His reappearance-both in Kabul and Germany- gave newfound confidence to the Indian rebels and provided an insight to his masterplan. He even went to Japan to resurrect the INA and make it an unstoppable driving force.

Netaji played a very crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. His contributions to the country are unmatched. His thoughts and vision for the country is the reason why he holds a position as a legendary freedom fighter. His firm belief ‘Freedom is not given- it is taken’ shows his commitment and conviction towards the cause. 

His war cry 'Delhi Chalo!' motivated the army personnel to such great lengths that they passionately laid their life down for the country. Such was Bose's impact (Rightly, his birth anniversary i.e the 23rd of January, is celebrated as Parakram Diwas to commemorate and honor his bravery and courage).

We Indians are proud that you have taken birth on this pure soil. We will always remember your ideals and will not let your contributions go in vain. Your inspirational life will always be etched in the walls of memory and the patriotic spark you have kindled in our hearts will gleam in our actions.   

        - Anusha Sridhar