Subhas Chandra Bose

Abstract

T REPORT on the disappearance of the Indian nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose at the end of World War II, recently submitted by the one-man Khosla Commission to the Indian parliament, and the publicity and critical analysis it has generated, have served to focus public attention once more on the image of India's legendary political hero. The revival of interest in Netaji (The Leader) has resulted in a proliferation of articles and books about him, and in seminars and meetings to discuss his political philosophy. The Netaji Research Bureau in Calcutta is planning a second international seminar next year, at which specialists on South Asia from all over the world will discuss Bose and his contributions to Indian nationalism and world politics. Netaji has occupied an important place in the hearts of his countrymen ever since his dramatic efforts during World War II to free his country from British rule. Even before that, during his involvement with the Indian National Congress in the 1930s, he had distinguished himself by his outspoken stand against the Congress hierarchy, which was seeking some sort of compromise with the British on the issue of independence. Eventually Bose, on one hand, and Gandhi and his protege Nehru went their separate ways; and therein lies one of the reasons why the Congress leadership, which has now ruled India for 27 years, has always played down the role of Netaji in the Indian independence movement. In the Western world, however, the name of Subhas Chandra Bose, even after three decades, does not evoke much sympathy, respect, or understanding. This is largely because of the stigma that Bose has had to bear because of his partnership with the Axis powers. The assessment of Netaji's role in organizing the Indian National Army, first in Europe and subsequently in Southeast Asia, has been under-