Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti or Netaji Jayanti (Parakram Diwas) is celebrated as a national event in India to commemorate the birthday of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose on 23rd January every year. The day is celebrated in almost every state and region of India, especially in Odisha and West Bengal. Refer to the table below to check the date and day of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti in 2024 (Parakram Diwas).
|Date of Celebration
|23rd January 2023
|Day of Celebration
|Also Referred to as
|Netaji Jayanti, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, or Parakram Diwas
Who is Subhash Chandra Bose?
Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent leader in India during the period of British authority. He was born into a wealthy family and received a specialised education centred around England. He then went to England and took the examination for Indian Civil Services. He returned to India in 1921 and joined the nationalist movement, which was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.
Bose became president of Congress in 1938 but resigned after a disagreement with other leaders over non-violence and other plans for himself. In April 1941, Bose went to Nazi Germany, where he received support for India’s independence and formed the Free India Legion. The legion is believed to have around 3,000 strong individuals.
In 1942, he moved to southeast Asia, and with the support of Japan, formed the Indian National Army. However, soon after this, he unfortunately died in a plane crash in 1945. Bose’s legacy is mixed, as he is considered a hero by many, but his collaborations with Japanese Fascism and Nazism present ethical dilemmas for some.
When is Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti?
Every year, the 23rd of January is celebrated as the Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti. It is celebrated to honour the birthday of Netaji, a renowned Indian freedom fighter. It is also referred to by different names, such as Netaji Jayanti and Parakram Diwas, which translates to the ‘day of valour.’
Subhash Chandra Bose Birth Place
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the son of Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose, was born on 23.1.1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, and spent his early childhood days here. Netaji’s father was a lawyer and a well-known figure during his time; he was known as “Rai Bahadur.” The spirit of a freedom fighter was deeply rooted in his genes, no wonder he was one of the important leaders in the history of India’s independence.
How is Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Celebrated?
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti is celebrated in a grand manner across the country. The most popular celebration practices involve hoisting the Indian flag, garlanding his statue, and organising cultural events in educational institutions. Moreover, three Indian states, namely Orissa, Tripura, and West Bengal, celebrate Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday by hosting a public holiday on the 23rd of January.
Although Netaji Jayanti is celebrated across the country, here’s a list of some special places that people visit to celebrate this day:
1. Netaji Museum
The Netaji Museum in Giddapahar, Kurseong, belongs to Subhash Chandra Bose’s brother, Sarat Chandra Bose. He, too, was a freedom fighter and a lawyer. The Netaji Museum is like a shrine to Subhash Chandra Bose. He spent seven years of his life in this place. Moreover, it is also believed that it is the place from where he had written his Haripura sessions address. It was reopened as a museum and a study centre in Himalayan culture, languages, and society by The Netaji Institute of Asian Studies.
2. INA Museum, Morang
It is the place where the first hoisting of the tricolor flag of free India by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose took place. As the name suggests, the museum showcases and celebrates the contributions of Netaji in developing the Indian National Army (INA). You can also find a giant statue of Netaji near the museum. Initially founded by Captain Mohan Singh, INA’s command was later taken over by Netaji. He recruited thousands of people to fight for the freedom of India. Thus, this place holds importance in the celebration of Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti.
3. Netaji Bhawan, Kolkata
Another place on the list is Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata, from where he left in disguise to Germany and to Japan. Currently, this place is used as a museum, library, and an archive of Netaji’s achievements. It falls under the Netaji Research Bureau. Here, people flock in great numbers, especially to find the car which he used to escape the house arrest in 1941.
4. Swatantra Sainani Museum Delhi
This museum is located in Delhi. It commemorates every INA fighter who was subjected to a trial.
The idea of an independent India wouldn’t have been possible without freedom fighters like Subhash Chandra Bose. These places hold immense significance as they offer a glimpse into the life of Netaji. There is no wonder why these places became popular among Indians who wished to remember Netaji’s achievements on Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti.
Why is Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Celebrated?
Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti is celebrated to honour the birthday of Subhash Chandra Bose, also referred to as Netaji. Thus, these celebrations also came to be known as Netaji Jayanti or Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti.
Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti Background
Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti was first celebrated in Rangoon when 5 months passed after his disappearance. Though it is celebrated across the country, some states observe it as an official holiday. These states include Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.
The Government of India also pays its tribute to Subhash Chandra Bose on this day. Subhas Chandra Bose’s family members have demanded the Government to declare his birthday as Deshprem Divas, or the Day of Patriotism.
Some politicians also demanded to declare his birthday as Deshanayak Divas and a national holiday. However, the Government announced on 19th January 2021, that the day would be celebrated as Parakram Divas every year. Thus, Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti was first observed as Parakram Divas in 2021 on his 124th birth anniversary.
5 Inspiring Quotes by Shubhash Chandra Bose
“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
“Do not be disheartened by our temporary defeat ; be cheerful and optimistic. Above all, never lose your faith in the destiny of India. There is no power on earth which can keep India in bondage”
“Life loses half its interest if there is no struggle-if there are no risks to be taken”
“Forget not that the grossest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you must give if you want to get.”
“Give Me Blood, and I Will Give You Freedom”
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Death
Netaji is said to have died on August 18, 1945. Many believe he was killed in a plane crash in Japanese-ruled Formosa (now Taiwan), but others disagree. This tragedy left Indians in mourning and anguish. Since then, several films have been made about Netaji’s life, including “Gumnami,” “Raag Desh,” “Samadhi,” and others. Books have been written which tell the tales of Netaji’s life and heroic moments, one of which is ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Life, Politics, and Struggle,’ written by the late Member of Parliament Krishna Bose.
The legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose lives on till date in the country. His contributions as a fighter who played a significant role in the Indian Independence Movement are honoured and cherished even years after independence.
Why do we celebrate 23 January?
Every year, the 23rd of January is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Which day is Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday?
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday is celebrated every year on 23rd January to honour his contributions towards fighting for an independent India.