Question

Summarise the contribution of Subhash Chandra Bose to the National Movement.
Or
Why was Forward Bloc formed?

Answer 1

(i) Subhash Chandra Bose was a great freedom fighter. Though he passed the Indian Civil Service Examination but decided not to join the service of the British Government. He was an eminent fighter. For his courage, sacrifice and boldness he is popularly known as Netaji.
(ii) Formation of Forward Bloc: Due to his differences with Gandhiji he resigned from the Presidentship of Indian National Congress. In May 1939 he organised a new party known as Forward Bloc. His party’s immediate objective was liberation of India with the support of workers, peasants, youths and other radical organisations.
(iii) INA and Subhash Chandra Bose: Subhash Chandra officially took charge of the Indian National Army in 1943. The soldiers of the I.N.A. fought valiantly along with the Japanese forces and reached upto Imphal and Manipur.
On October 21, 1943 Subhash Chandra announced the formation of the Provisional Government of free India and declared war against the Allies. Andaman and Nicobar Islands were handed over to INA by Japan. ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘Jai Hind’ became the battle cry of the INA.
(iv) INA’s Victories in South-East Asia: It was the INA which hoisted Tri colour flag for the first time on the liberated Indian soil on March 19, 1944. INA alongwith Japanese forces continued to hold Burma for almost a year.
(v) INA’s impact on the National Movement: The popularity of INA could be judged from the trail of INA officers—Shah Nawaz, G. S. Dhillon and Prem Seghal. Though the Court martial held them guilty but they were not punished due to demonstrations all over the country. The INA spirit affected the armed forces and Indian Navy also. The Indian Navy rose in revolt at Mumbai in February 1946. The INA though failed in its mission but its soldiers and the leader Subhash Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism before the Indian people.