When is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti?
This regional public holiday is observed in several north-eastern Indian states on January 23rd.
It marks the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who is seen as a prominent figure in India's struggle for freedom.
History of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born in Currack, Orissa on January 23rd 1897. After completing his degree in Philosophy in Calcutta, he was sent to England to study for the Civil Services exams.
In 1921, he returned to India, where his fervent patriotism led to him being considered a rebel by the British authorities.
Bose became a leader of the youth wing of the Indian National Congress in the late 1920s, becoming Congress President in 1938 and 1939. He left Congress leadership positions in 1939 due to his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress high command. He was subsequently placed under house arrest by the British before escaping from India in 1940.
In 1942, during the Second World War, he formed the Indian National Army in Southeast Asia, composed of Indian soldiers of the British Indian army who had been captured in the Battle of Singapore. Netaji established a provisional government of Free India or Azad Hind in 1943 in Andaman and Nicobar, which had been captured by Japanese forces.
Did you know?
The term 'Netaji' is Hindustani for 'Respected Leader' and was first given to Bose by Indian soldiers in 1945.
On 18 August 1945, Netaji is said to have died from third-degree burns sustained after his plane crashed in Taiwan. Due to the circumstances of his death, the Government of India has set up a number of committees to investigate the case.
Since then, his life and legacy are seen as an inspiration to generations of young Indians and Netaji Jayanti is an opportunity to celebrate his role in India's freedom movement.
Parakram Diwas
Parakram Diwas, also called Bravery Day, is now a formal National Day, that is celebrated in India on January 23rd. It was introduced by the Government of India in 2021 ahead of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary.
From 2022, Republic Day celebrations will start on January 23rd instead of January 24th to include the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s “focus to commemorate important aspects of our history and culture.”
