Popularly known as Netaji, Subhash Chandra Bose was born on this day the 23rd of January in 1897 in Orissa’s Cuttack. Netaji played a vital role as a freedom fighter during India’s struggle for Independence. Bose was the man who led the Indian National Army also known as Azad Hind Fauj. In 1943, Netaji formed alliances against the British during the second world war. Bose is also credited with the patriotic salutation ‘Jai Hind.’
At a very young age, Bose grew inclined towards Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and was heavily influenced by the Hindu monk. Today is observed as Subhash Chandra Bose’s 121st Birth Anniversary and called Netaji Jayanti.
Here are some of Bose’s most memorable quotes:
“Give me blood and I will give you freedom.”
“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
“Freedom is not given. It is taken.”
“It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength.”
“Men, money and materials cannot by themselves bring victory or freedom. We must have the motive power that will inspire us to brave deeds and heroic exploits.”
“When we stand, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a wall of granite; when we march, the Azad Hind Fauj has to be like a steamroller.”
“We cannot sit still because we cannot, or do not, know the Absolute Truth.”
“I have no doubt in my mind that our chief national problems relating to the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and disease and the scientific production and distribution can be tackled only along socialistic lines.”
“Life loses half its interest if there is no struggle-if there are no risks to be taken.”
“Reality is, after all, too big for our frail understanding to fully comprehend. Nevertheless, we have to build our life on the theory which contains the maximum truth.”
