2A) QUOTE NETAJI - “GIVE ME BLOOD, AND I SHALL GIVE YOU FREEDOM”
In his 1944 Burma speech, Subhas Chandra Bose inspired Indians to rise against British rule by
forming the Indian National Army. His quote means freedom demands sacrifice, urging people to
offer their blood, strength, and dedication to achieve India’s independence through courage, unity,
and relentless struggle against British colonial oppression.
Page 2-(B): THE IDEOLOGY OF SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE ON ATTAINING FREEDOM FOR INDIA
• How would he bring freedom to India?
Subhas Chandra Bose believed that India’s independence could not be achieved solely through non-
violent means. He advocated for the use of armed struggle against British colonial rule. By forming
the Indian National Army (INA) and seeking international alliances, particularly with Axis powers
during World War II, Bose aimed to launch a military offensive to liberate India from British
domination.
• List the challenges involved therein:
Lack of sufficient military resources and trained personnel.
British intelligence surveillance and suppression of revolutionary activities.
Limited international support due to complex global politics.
Ideological differences with mainstream Indian leaders who supported non-violence.
• His plan to overcome the challenges:
To address these challenges, Bose formed strategic alliances with Germany and Japan, who provided
military and logistical support. He reorganised the INA with disciplined leadership and rigorous
training to build a capable fighting force. Bose also established a Provisional Government of Free
India to give his movement legitimacy and boost morale. Through powerful speeches and campaigns,
he inspired Indian expatriates and soldiers to join the cause, thereby strengthening the INA’s ranks
and unity of purpose.
Page 3: Complete the given Fact File of Subhas Chandra Bose.
Full name – Subash Chandra Bose
Nickname - Netaji, Patriot of Patriots, Prince of Patriots
Date of birth - 23 January 1897
Place Of Birth – Cuttack, Odisha
Spouse - Emilie Schenkl
Educational Qualifications:
Subhas Chandra Bose received his early education at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack, where
he demonstrated strong academic performance. He briefly studied at Presidency College, Calcutta,
but was expelled due to his nationalist activities. He then completed his B.A. in Philosophy at Scottish
Church College and earned a degree in Philosophy from the University of Calcutta. Later, he studied
at the University of Cambridge, England, preparing for the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam. Although
he passed the ICS exam in 1920, he resigned soon after to join the Indian independence movement.
His Escape From India:
In January 1941, Bose escaped house arrest in Calcutta disguised as a deaf and mute Pathan, aided
by his nephew Sisir Kumar Bose. He travelled from Gomoh to Peshawar, receiving help from
nationalists like Mian Akbar Shah and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew. To avoid detection, he adopted
disguises and feigned disability. Supported by German intelligence and local groups, Bose crossed
into Afghanistan, then reached the Soviet Union via Kabul, and finally travelled to Nazi Germany
seeking support for India’s independence.
Group Founded and Its Objectives:
On May 3, 1939, Bose founded the Forward Bloc in Makur, Uttar Pradesh, after resigning as Indian
National Congress President. The group aimed to unite all left-wing factions within Congress and
establish alternative leadership. Its objectives included complete independence (Poorna Swaraj),
socialism, social equality, modernization through linguistic and cultural autonomy, and economic
growth via scientific, large-scale production.
Subhas Chandra Bose:
Bose served as Indian National Congress President in 1938 and 1939, advocating immediate
independence and often clashing with moderate leaders. His re-election faced strong opposition,
leading to his resignation. Disillusioned, he formed the Forward Bloc to pursue a militant path to
freedom.
His Contributions to India:
Bose was a revolutionary leader who pushed for radical methods to achieve independence. He
formed and led the Indian National Army (INA) to fight the British through armed struggle and
established the Azad Hind Government in exile. His famous slogan, “Give me blood, and I shall give
you freedom,” inspired many. Bose promoted youth and women’s participation, emphasized
economic self-reliance, and challenged moderate Congress leaders, leaving a lasting legacy of
militant patriotism.
Page 3
1) How he became the commander of the Indian National Army?
Subhas Chandra Bose became the commander of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1943 after the
initial INA, under Captain Mohan Singh, faced dissolution due to disagreements with the Japanese
government. Bose, who was already a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement,
arrived in Southeast Asia determined to continue the armed struggle against British colonial rule.
Recognizing his leadership qualities and unwavering patriotism, the Indian expatriates and Japanese
authorities invited him to take command and rebuild the INA. Accepting this responsibility, Bose
reorganized the INA with a clear vision, emphasizing discipline, unity, and a focused mission to
liberate India through military means. His charismatic leadership inspired thousands of Indian
prisoners of war and civilians to join the cause, earning him the title “Netaji,” which means respected
leader. Under his command, the INA grew into a formidable force symbolizing hope and resistance
against British rule.
2) The Women’s Regiment and Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was a visionary leader who believed in the active participation of women in
India’s freedom struggle. To realize this vision, he established the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-
women combat unit within the INA named after the legendary warrior queen Rani Lakshmibai.
Bose’s progressive approach broke traditional gender barriers by training women in military tactics,
discipline, and combat. This regiment empowered women to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with men,
demonstrating courage and dedication. The formation of the women’s regiment was a revolutionary
step in the nationalist movement, highlighting Bose’s commitment to equality and inspiring many
Indian women to contribute directly
Page 5: SUBHAS BAABU DEAD OF ALIVE? THE MYSTERY AND MYTH.
• The death of Subhas Chandra Bose-a controversy ( 100 words)
Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly died on 18 August 1945 from third-degree burns after his plane
crashed during take-off in Japanese-occupied Formosa (now Taiwan). Though official Japanese and
hospital reports confirmed the incident, many supporters in India, especially in Bengal, refused to
believe the news. Conspiracy theories spread rapidly, suggesting he survived and escaped. Multiple
government inquiries followed and most upheld the crash theory. However, the 2005 Mukherjee
Commission rejected this, stating Bose did not die in the crash and that the ashes in Japan weren't
his. Despite this, the mystery of his death remains unsolved and widely debated even today.
His family legacy that he left behind
Subhas Chandra Bose belonged to a well-known and influential Bengali family committed to India's
freedom struggle. His elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, was also a respected political leader and
played a vital role in supporting nationalist movements. Subhas is believed to have married Emilie
Schenkl, an Austrian woman, and they had a daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff, who later became a noted
economist in Germany. Although Bose couldn’t return to India, his ideals, courage, and vision live on
through public admiration, statues, educational institutions, and government honors that celebrate
his incredible contributions to India’s independence.
My opinion
Honestly, I feel like the mystery around Bose’s death screams foul play. The fact that his plane crash
story has so many holes, plus the government commissions disagreeing on the ashes, makes it seem
like a cover-up. Bose was a huge threat to the British and their allies, so it’s not crazy to think
someone wanted him gone. Whether or not he was murdered, the suspicion keeps his legend alive,
a rebel who challenged the world and maybe paid the ultimate price for it.
