It has been almost 73 years since India attained independence, but that feeling of
pride and emotion of sacrifice for several people in the country is still
evident. The whole country got together to fight the British and attain
independence at any cost. Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
Bhagat Singh, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal,
Sarojini Naidu and many others fought for the nation, burning the midnight oil,
till their last breath. Their contribution in making India a free and equal
nation has been instrumental and will never be forgotten. In history textbooks
too, we see that several of these people have been widely mentioned. Such
personalities have been celebrated in India and across the world.
Throughout
the world, the Indian National Army is renowned for its skill and valor. Those
who join the Indian Armed forces are respected and are saluted for their
hardships. But little do people know that this zeal and 'josh' in the Indian
Armed forces and particularly the Indian Army comes from the roots that
motivated and brought together a team that stayed United, strong, and
determined.
One
such unsung hero, who fought unhesitatingly and was instrumental in forming the
Indian National Army during the independence era was Rash Behari Bose. When it
comes to the Indian National Army and its emergence, we are all aware of
the contributions of Subhash Chandra Bose. But not all of us know that it was
Rash Behari Bose who invited Subhash Chandra Bose to lead the Indian Army
during the independence era after he decided to step down from its leadership.
Though he stepped down, yet, the Indian National Army worked as per his organizational
framework and blueprint.
Born
in Bengal, India, and having succumbed to Japan, his life can be traced through
a series of developments and inspirational events. He was brought up in a
village in Bengal and lived with his family for a long time. He was told
Inspirational and revolutionary stories since his childhood, which had a great
impact on him and his life. He also learned about revolutionary politics in
college and later got involved in the revolutionary happening, followed by his
connection with the Arya Samaj.
He
also attained degrees from France and Germany, which also played an intensive
role in shaping his revolutionary image. He attempted to kill Lord Harding and
also undertook the Gadar Revolution in 1915. Though the revolution failed. Yet,
it paved a new path for the history of India.
He
soon had to get into hiding, which was followed by his journey to Japan and
later led towards the establishment of one of the greatest armies in the world.
He
had to flee to Japan in spite of his bold undertakings and fearless attempts. He
took shelter with several pan-Asian families and with time increased his
networking and contact. In the meanwhile, he also got married to Yoshiko Soma,
when he was hiding in her house.
Known
as the 'Bose of Nakamaurya', he was slowly getting to understand the scenario
in Japan and ultimately decided to use the opportunity to use Japan's support
to fight the Indian Independence struggle. Along with A. M. Nair, he was successful
in convincing the Japanese officials to stand by the Indian side and support
the Indian Independence movement.
After
convening two conferences, the Indian Army was established and soon Subhash
Chandra Bose was invited to command the league. The Indian Prisoners of War
were encouraged to join the army and the Azar Hind Movement took place.
He
was honored with the 'Order of the Rising Sun' by the Japanese Government for
his tremendous efforts and excellent organizational spadework.
He
was a determined soul who only wanted to see an independent India, but it was
very unfortunate that he was unable to see an independent Indian nation, where
people were free and fearless. His remarkable efforts and instrumental ideas to
take help from the Japanese Government and establish the Indian Army were the
reason for boosting up the movement. Had the Army not been formed, the British
would not have felt any form of pressure. Also, his progressive approach also
saw India in the international sphere as a strong and courageous nation with a
fearless attitude. All of this together forced the British to loosen its
control over the Indian subcontinent. His soft power approach which led towards
the strengthening of the hard power ultimately gave India its freedom.
25th
May 2020 marks his 114th Birth Anniversary, and on this day, we
celebrate him and his tremendous efforts towards the country and his sacrifice
for the struggle of independence and seeing an independent India.
Writer- Vijayasree
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