23rd January is observed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. It is ironic that this day is not observed with much enthusiasm throughout the country like the birth anniversaries of other great men and women who laid down their lives at the altar of freedom. Similar national apathy is seen in the case of other great freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Lala Lajpat Rai and others. Instead of regarding these great patriots as ‘National Heroes’, they have been relegated to the regions where they were born. There seems a political motivation behind such unhealthy moves.
In the course of struggle for freedom Netaji formed Azad Hind Government and led the Indian National Army. He advocated a revolutionary and violent way to protest as opposed to non-violent approach by Mahatma Gandhi. Following the differences with Mahatma Gandhi he separated from Indian National Congress (INC) and founded his own party on 3 May 1939 in the name of “All India Forward Block.” In early April 2010, Forward Bloc and other Left parties urged the Central Government to declare birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on 23rd January as Desh Prem Divas (Day of Patriotism). Great leaders don’t belong to one region or community; they are the common heritage of all people. In these days, when the spirit of patriotism seems to be lacking among the people due to frustration, poverty, malnourishment and maladministration, it is absolutely necessary to give a call to the people on the historic birthday of Netaji to revive such a spirit once again.
