From 1942 to 1945, Netaji's relentless struggle against British and American imperialism reached its climax. Today, in our globalized world, his persona continues to resonate through history books, TV serials, and films that portray his adventurous life. The Indian National Army (INA) remains synonymous with Netaji, and on this occasion, let's delve into the powerful 'pledge of the INA' that encapsulated the spirit of the brave soldiers.
In a June 1942 broadcast to the INA from Europe, Netaji's words became immortalized as the 'pledge of the INA.' His impassioned call rallied the soldiers: "Brave soldiers! Today you have taken an oath that you will give fight to the enemy till the last breath of your life, under the national tri-color." This marked the birth of the soldiers of the Indian National Army of Free India, volunteers shouldering the responsibility of forty crore Indians.
Netaji's journey from a party worker to a soldier is a testament to his transformation. Raised in the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence, Bose eventually embraced a path that differed radically. The INA pledge, articulated in that historic broadcast, called for freedom to be obtained through force, a departure from Gandhi and Nehru's principles.
As Netaji proclaimed, "Today we are taking the vow of independence under the National Flag. A time will come when you will salute this flag in the Red Fort. But remember that you will have to pay the price of freedom. Freedom can never be had by begging. It has to be got by force. Its price is blood. We will not beg for freedom from any foreign country…"
In closing, Netaji left the soldiers with a revolutionary slogan, "May God be with you and give you strength to fulfill the pledge which you have taken voluntarily today. Inquilab Zindabad!"
Beyond being hailed as a freedom fighter, Netaji's vision for a free and independent India sets him apart in history. As we honor his birth anniversary, let us remember the hero of the country, the leader of leaders, who, inspired by inner pain, took center stage to fight tyranny and oppression, leaving an indelible mark on India's journey to freedom.
(Khushi bhushan is a senior journalist in www.thetrendingpeople.com)
