As Kolkata gears up to host 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, his Grand Nephew Chandra Kumar Bose spoke exclusively to The Daily Guardian about Netaji’s legacy and his inclusive ideology.
Q: The BJP government announced that 23 January will be celebrated as Parakram Diwas. What are thoughts on it?
A: We welcome this announcement made by the central Government, that the 23 January, Netaji’s birthday, would be celebrated as the Parakram Diwas. But I would also like to add that for many years the people of our great nation have celebrated this day as Desh Prem Diwas or Patriot’s Day as Mahatma Gandhi had addressed Subhash Chandra Bose as Patriot of Patriots, so the people of our country celebrate this day as Patriot’s Day. It’s true we did not get recognition from the Central Government back then. Many political parties have demanded, but I am not really interested in that, what I am interested in is what the people of our country want. I think they would have liked it to be known as Patriot’s Day. But anyhow, recognition has been given by the NDA government, under the leadership of Narendra Modi. We are happy about it. It is that I am a privileged member of this committee formed by the Central Government and I think we need to focus on certain areas. Many celebrations are going to be held, we are happy that on 23 January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to come to Kolkata. He would be present at the function at The Victoria Memorial. We look forward to it but I think Subhas Chandra Bose, the gigantic towering personality that he had, it cannot be restricted to four walls of the museum. It cannot be restricted by just unveiling his statue, his activities were beyond the shores of India.
Q: What ideology of Subhas Chandra Bose would you like the citizens of the nation to adopt as a tribute to him.
A: I would like to stress that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a national icon, he was a world icon. He was a liberator of India. It was the Azad Hind Fauj which fought the final battle for India’s freedom. If it was not for the Azad Hind Fauj and the INA trials, the loyalty and diligence to the British High Command could not have been destroyed. We would not have got independence in 1947. So, we need to really highlight the true history of India’s struggle. Subhas Chandra Bose’s inclusive ideology, that he could unite all communities as one, as Bharatiyas, which he actually implemented in his Azad Hind Fauj. Today, we see a lot of divisive activities across the nation, it is only Subhas Chandra Bose’s inclusive ideology which can again unite the nation. It will be the real homage, if we really want to pay to Subhas Chandra Bose is to adopt his inclusive ideology. His ideology of uniting all communities as Bharatiyas, which is I feel is the concept of India. So, unless this is done, I think we will fall short of respecting the world icon Subhas Chandra Bose.
Q: Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee, as well as Saugata Roy, have been saying that Subhas Chandra Bose‘s birthday should be celebrated as Desh Nayak Diwas? Your thoughts on it?
A: Well, different political parties can put forward their views but I think people’s views was that it should be celebrated as Patriot’s Day. I think people wanted it as Desh Prem Diwas, now you can give various connotations but the pulse of the people must be taken into consideration before we declare something about Subhas Chandra Bose. I think we appreciate Prakram Diwas, which has been declared by the Central Government, is an honour. But the real honour to Netaji is to adopt and practice his inclusive ideology to unite the nation and progress.