Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the most well-known independence fighters in India. He was also an influential figure whose ideas still inspire and guide many people today. Based on the archives of the Netaji Research Bureau as well as decades of fieldwork and interviews, the book Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Life, Politics, and Struggle provides an unparalleled portrayal of Subhas Chandra Bose, his political views, and his valiant fight for India’s independence. Sumantra Bose, Krishna Bose’s son, translated, edited, and collected her mother’s writings from Bengali.
There is more to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s life, politics & struggle than just the tragedy, though. Additionally, Krishna Bose discusses the events that moulded his personality in it. The first chapter of the book is devoted to his mother, Prabhabati Bose. This is an excellent choice because it gives the story a loving touch right away. As she continues, Krishna Bose talks about Netaji’s relationship with his foster mother Basanti Debi, wife Emilie Schenkl, and sister-in-law Bibavati Bose. It simply summarises his encounters by using a tone that is obviously emotional. It also touches on the controversies surrounding his death.
‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Life, Politics, and Struggle’ includes 95 rare photographs from the INA commander’s family album and the Netaji Research Bureau archives. Some of these have been used effectively. They provide photographic relief and enable the reader to see his journey.
According to Krishna Bose, “Nehru tended to idealism and Bose to realism. Nehru was revolted by Nazism and the persecution of Europe’s Jews. Bose…felt that the Indian struggle for freedom should override all other considerations….” Regarding Gandhi, she writes, “Nehru had a practically unconditional allegiance to Gandhi, and Gandhi exercised a hypnotic power over him. But Bose, whilst deeply respectful of Gandhi, was not as mesmerised.”
One of Bose’s close relatives provides a unique, in-depth description of the Netaji’s significant life in the book. Because of this, the book is engaging and real. The writings, which were first
composed in Bengali, show the “human being alongside the revolutionary and freedom fighter.” It follows Bose from his early years till his passing in August 1945. The book offers several tales of Netaji’s interactions with Indian and international leaders and famous individuals, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Adolf Hitler, and Eamon de Valera. The author notes, “The contrast between Nehru’s and Bose’s formative years is truly striking.”
In addition, the author mentions a number of Netaji’s close and loyal associates, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Punjabis, Pathans, and representatives from all throughout British India.
This is perhaps one of the best compilations on Netaji’s life and leadership struggles that you will find today; therefore, anyone who wants to learn more about his life from a much wider viewpoint should start reading it.
Shahruk Ahmed Mazumdar is a Writer and Columnist
X/Twitter id: @Shahrukhahmedsk
Email Id: [email protected]
