The birthday, or “Jayanti”, of Subhas Chandra Bose is a public holiday in three states of India, kept every 23 January. The name “Netaji” was a title often ascribed to this national hero of India during his life. Subhas Chandra Bose ranks among the best known of all of Indias independence era leaders. He promoted the ideals of independence in the Indian National Congress in the 1920s and 1930s and became its president in 1938. But he was ousted by the British colonial government in 1939 due to certain “unapproved events” he was planning.
Netaji is also a somewhat controversial figure, however. He carried on relations with the Nazis and with the Imperial Japanese during World War II, although he seems to have done so to gain their support to build up an Indian National Army. He is famous for his quotes, such as “Freedom is not given, it is taken”, “Give me your blood and I will give you your freedom”, and “Glory to India!” Every year, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti is the occasion of a special school and college events. There are many parades, performances of musical bands, cultural events, and Netaji film festivals at local theatres.
On 18 August 1945, Netaji is said to have died from third-degree burns sustained after his plane crashed in Taiwan. Due to the circumstances of his death, the Government of India has set up a number of committees to investigate the case.
Since then, his life and legacy are seen as an inspiration to generations of young Indians and Netaji Jayanti is an opportunity to celebrate his role in Indias freedom movement.
In January 2018, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet that she has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about making Netajis birthday a national holiday. "Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are national and international icons. I have written a letter to the PM urging the GOI to declare both their birthdays as national holidays," she tweeted.