Subhash Chandra Bose’s Winning Goal for Independence

January 17, 2024

Context:

This editorial is based on the news “Bose’s winning goal for Independence” which was published in The Pioneer. The writer argues that Sardar Patel, Subhash Chandra Bose did not get much credit for their role in India’s freedom struggle as compared to Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

Contribution of Subhash Chandra Bose

Formation of Azad Hind Fauj or INA: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose persuaded the Indian prisoners of war in Axis hands to quit their servitude to their British masters and come over to the Azad Hind Fauj.

His Controversy With Indian National Congress

Second Tenure as Congress President: He was forced to resign from congress presidency as he did not take Gandhi consent before standing for congress Presidency.

Criticism of Subhash Chandra Bose

Subhash Chandra Bose aligned with Adolf Hitler (Hitler was responsible for jews persecution)and the Imperial Japanese army in pursuit of India’s freedom.
He discarded liberal democracy, supported communism which is considered as a totalitarian ideology.

Gandhi and Bose Views on Different Aspects

Aspect	Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideas	Subhas Chandra Bose’s Ideas
Approach to Freedom Struggle	Non- violent civil disobedience and passive resistance.	Militant and aggressive approach, including armed struggle.
Impact on Indian National Congress (INC)	Long-term leader of INC, shaping its strategies and ideologies.	Had ideological conflicts with INC leaders; eventually resigned from Congress presidency.
Leadership Style	Charismatic, spiritual leader, with a focus on moral authority.	Dynamic, revolutionary leader with a focus on strong, decisive actions.
Perspective on International Alliances	Generally avoided alliances, focusing on internal strength and moral authority.	Sought international support, notably from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, against British rule.
Philosophical Foundation	Deeply influenced by principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha).	Inspired by revolutionary and nationalist ideologies, inclined towards socialism.
Method of Protest	Satyagraha, non-cooperation, Dandi March, fasting.	Formation of Indian National Army (INA)
View on British Rule	Sought to appeal to the moral conscience of the British aiming for a peaceful transition.	Believed in direct confrontation and expulsion of the British by force if necessary.
Economic Vision	Emphasis on village economy. self-sufficiency (Swaraj), and cottage industries.	Advocated for modern industrialization as a means to strengthen India.
Legacy and Recognition	Widely recognized as the ‘Father of the Nation‘ in India.	Celebrated as a national hero, particularly for his leadership of the INA.

Conclusion

It’s not that one particular leader contributed to the freedom struggle, every leader contributed in its own way as Bhagat singh motivated youth , Gandhi’s ideas such as non-violence resonated with not only masses but with abroad also.
- For Example: Nelson Mandela, inspired by Gandhi ji’s ideas, fought against the white government of South Africa which practiced Apartheid.