During the British rule, India was under the colonial oppression and Indians were not offered any freedom. However, during this period of time there were many freedom fighters who made great sacrifices for our country. One such leader who showed exemplary leadership skills was Subhash Chandra Bose. He took India’s freedom struggle in his hands so effectively that he is remembered till date for the passionate fight he put up against British colonists.
Political leadership: His objective was to arouse the masses, particularly the youth, against British rule. He organised a series of protest meetings all over the country. He was jailed in 1921-1922 because of his political activities. Immediately upon his release, he organised the All-Bengal Young Men’s Conference. He was twice elected President of the Indian National Congress (1938 and 1939). He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Bloc and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from British rule.
Work with other nations: Subhash Chandra Bose was a man of many identities. He is at once an Indian hero for leading India to independence, a colonial traitor for fighting against the British alongside the Germans and Japanese, a Bengali nationalist, a socialist icon, and a complex human.
The Indian National Army: He founded the Indian National Army (INA) under the inspiration and guidance of the Japanese government and his political philosophy was mainly guided by his two revolutionary ideas: firstly, complete independence of India from British rule; secondly he envisaged that the masses of India would play a leading role in the overthrow of British rule.
Azad Hind Government: The contribution of Subhash Chandra Bose towards India's freedom struggle has often been overlooked. Bose worked tirelessly for the independence of India. He supported Gandhi's non-violent movement against the British but believed that achieving a free India required the formation of an Indian Army in exile.
Mass mobilisation: Bose made numerous tours through out the country and organised the INA units that were to be used against the British. The INA was not only an armed force but also an effective propaganda vehicle for rousing patriotic fervour. Thousands of joined Bose for this force.
Women mobilisation: Contrary to the opinion, Subhash Chandra Bose was not against women’s participation in the independence struggle. As head of the Azad Hind Government, he appointed many women to official positions in the provisional government and its ministries. These included nine women as members of his inner circle. He also established an all-women regiment of the National Army that fought along with men under Japanese auspices in Burma (Myanmar).
Youth leadership: From the point of view of Indian’s freedom struggle, Subhash Chandra Bose was a real leader among youth. He was the first one to realize that young were potential for growth in political movement. He motivated youth to join the cause of Indian freedom struggle. Bose believed that India’s liberation would be achieved only through the efforts and sacrifices of the conscious younger generation.