Subhas Chandra Bose – Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Family, Education, Ideology, Achievements, and Legacy

By Saumya Mishra

🧭 Introduction



Subhas Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, was one of the most dynamic and fearless leaders of India’s freedom struggle.
He founded the Indian National Army (INA) and gave the stirring slogan —

“Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”

A symbol of courage, nationalism, and sacrifice, Bose dedicated his entire life to freeing India from British rule. His leadership, charisma, and revolutionary vision made him a legendary figure in Indian history.

📊 Subhas Chandra Bose – Quick Facts

Full Name Subhas Chandra Bose
Popular Name Netaji
Date of Birth 23 January 1897
Place of Birth Cuttack, Odisha, India
Date of Death / Disappearance 18 August 1945 (reported plane crash in Taiwan – mystery still debated)
Age (at disappearance) 48 years
Height Around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Weight Around 78 kg (approximate)
Nationality Indian
Religion Hinduism
Occupation Freedom Fighter, Political Leader
Father’s Name Janakinath Bose (Lawyer and prominent leader)
Mother’s Name Prabhavati Devi
Siblings 14 (He was the ninth child)
Marital Status Married
Wife’s Name Emilie Schenkl (an Austrian woman)
Children Anita Bose Pfaff (Daughter, Economist)
Education B.A. in Philosophy from Presidency College, Calcutta; Indian Civil Services (ICS) – resigned in protest
Political Ideology Nationalism, Socialism, Anti-imperialism
Organization Founded Forward Bloc (1939), Indian National Army (INA)
Famous Slogans “Jai Hind!” and “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga.”
Known For Leadership of Azad Hind Fauj (INA), Revolutionary Patriotism
Death / Disappearance Place Reported near Taipei, Taiwan
Cause of Death Alleged air crash (disputed)

👶 Early Life and Family Background

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha, into a prosperous Bengali family.
His father, Janakinath Bose, was a successful lawyer and his mother, Prabhavati Devi, was a devout and kind-hearted woman.

From a young age, Subhas showed qualities of discipline, leadership, and a deep sense of justice. He studied at the Ravenshaw Collegiate School and later joined Presidency College, Calcutta, where he excelled academically.

🎓 Education and Early Career

In 1919, he went to England to prepare for the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam, which he passed with distinction.
However, Bose soon realized that his true calling was to serve his country, not the British Empire.
In 1921, he resigned from the ICS and returned to India, marking the beginning of his political journey.

🏛️ Political Career and Ideology

Subhas Chandra Bose joined the Indian National Congress (INC) and quickly rose to prominence due to his organizing ability and fiery speeches.
He became the President of the Indian National Congress in 1938 (Haripura Session) and again in 1939 (Tripuri Session).

However, differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders over the path to independence led him to form a new group —
the Forward Bloc, aiming for complete and immediate freedom from British rule.

His political philosophy was based on:

  • Nationalism – India must be free at all costs.

  • Socialism – Equality for all citizens.

  • Militant Struggle – Non-violence alone was not enough; direct action was necessary.

⚔️ Formation of the Indian National Army (INA)

During World War II, Bose escaped house arrest in India and traveled to Germany and later to Japan, seeking international support against the British.
In 1943, he reorganized the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) with the help of Rash Behari Bose.

The INA’s goal was to liberate India by armed struggle, with the battle cry:

“Delhi Chalo!” (March to Delhi)

The INA fought bravely alongside Japanese forces in Burma and Imphal, though the campaign ultimately failed militarily.
Still, their courage ignited the spirit of patriotism and revolt across India.

💬 Famous Slogans by Subhas Chandra Bose

  • “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi Doonga!”
    (Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!)

  • “Jai Hind!” – Now the official greeting of the Indian Armed Forces.

  • “Freedom is not given, it is taken.”

💑 Personal Life

Subhas Chandra Bose secretly married Emilie Schenkl, an Austrian woman, in 1937 while living in Europe.
Their daughter, Anita Bose Pfaff, was born in 1942.
Anita later became a respected economist and professor in Germany.

Despite being away from his family most of his life, Bose remained deeply attached to them.

🕊️ Mysterious Death and Disappearance

According to official reports, Subhas Chandra Bose died on 18 August 1945 in a plane crash near Taipei, Taiwan, while on his way to Manchuria.
However, the circumstances remain unclear — with several theories suggesting he survived and lived in hiding in India or abroad.

The Government of India has conducted multiple inquiries, but the mystery of Netaji’s death remains unsolved.

🏆 Achievements and Legacy

  • Founded the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army).

  • Established the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government) in 1943.

  • Introduced the slogan “Jai Hind” — now India’s national salute.

  • Revived the spirit of armed resistance for independence.

  • Inspired generations of revolutionaries and nationalists.

  • Declared a national hero of India by the Indian government.

In his honor, 23 January is celebrated every year as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti or Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor).

📚 Books and Writings by Subhas Chandra Bose

  • The Indian Struggle (1920–1942)

  • An Indian Pilgrim (Autobiography)

  • Azad Hind Radio Speeches

💬 Famous Quotes by Netaji

“It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom.”
“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
“Life loses half its interest if there is no struggle — if there are no risks to be taken.”
“No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.”

🏛️ Memorials and Honors

  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata

  • Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi

  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Andaman & Nicobar

  • Statues, museums, and memorial halls across India

  • Posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna (not officially accepted due to family’s request)

🪶 Conclusion

Subhas Chandra Bose was not just a revolutionary — he was a visionary patriot who combined intellect, bravery, and leadership to inspire millions.
His vision of an independent, united, and strong India still echoes in every Indian heart.

Even today, Netaji remains a symbol of courage, selflessness, and unwavering patriotism.


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