Out of the many impactful things that Netaji said, the lines he wrote to his brother perhaps stand apart as a true representation of his dedication, “Only on the soil of sacrifice and suffering can we raise our national edifice.” India will complete seventy-four years of freedom and sovereignty this year. But for a moment, I’d like for you dear reader, to think about all the lives that were willingly given for me to have made that statement. As we climb new rails of prosperity and growth only looking forward, it is natural to forget looking back. And that’s fine! Our ancestors gave their lives so that we may propel their country into a new age.
A New Age
But on days like these, let’s look back. Let us imagine the decade which was the 1940s. The world has barely recovered from a massive economical crisis, a newer, deadlier war approaches and the spirit of nationalism spikes. We had enough, freedom was imminent. But one must realise that there are many means to an end. And there was none braver and bolder than Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s.
Born to a well to do a family among 14 siblings, Netaji left a post in Civil Services to join the Indian National Congress, in which he also tenured as president. He soon formed a vision of attacking the colonisers instead of taking the pacifist route. For which he approached Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The pavlovian response to hearing Netaji’s name is a mention of the “Indian National Army’. The INA had a one-of-its-kind women’s unit headed by Captain Lakshmi.
Credits: https://frontline.thehindu.com/
Today the criticism of Netaji’s methods is very diverse and debated much upon, but if there is one thing we know for certain, then it would be the fact that big ambitions require big sacrifices fuelled by even greater passions. On this Parakram Diwas let’s emulate that as we dedicate our effort to the growth of our nation.
Credits: http://www.netaji.org/
