Netaji Subhashchandra Bose was a brilliant student in college and teachers' pet for his unconditional love towards the poor, sick and the needy.
Netaji Subhashchandra Bose was the most visionary activist in the pre-independence era, popularly known as 'Netaji' (Respected Leader). He was an Indian revolutionary who led an Indian national political and military force against British Rules and Western powers during World War II. He was one of the most prominent leaders in the Independence Movement. Bose was born on 23 January, 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa, to Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Devi.
Netaji Subhashchandra Bose and the Garland:
Once there was a big rally organized by the Indian Independence League at Singapore to welcome Netaji. A research states that as the huge gathering of Indians in Singapore garlanded Netaji, nearly a truckload of garland accumulated there. Netaji humbly thanked all those present there, for their kind and loving gesture. Later he announced that he would like to auction the garlands that had been put around his neck. He said he would use that amount to build an undoubtable army, 'Azad Hind Fauz' or 'Indian National Army'.
The bid started with Rs. 25,000. The first garland was auctioned for Rs. 1 crore and 3 lacs (10.3 Million rupees). The garland was purchased by a Muslim industrialist of Malaya, Habibur Rehman. Women gathered at the event offered their valuables and gold ornaments. Total collection at this auction was about Rs. 25 crore (250 Million rupees).
One young man in the crowd named Shekhar also wanted to bid a garland. He just had 7 Lacs (700,000 rupees) with him. It was his entire life's savings. However, to his dismay, some other man in the crowd offered Rs. 25,000 more. To this Shekar walked near the dais and pleaded Netaji to give the garland to him. He said, “Seven Lacs is all the money that I have. I want to be a part of this freedom struggle by sacrificing all my life's earning.” Netaji was so much touched by Shekar's patriotism that he gave the garland to him with great pride and honor.
Netaji collected donations from Indians throughout Asia. Once in Penang, Malaysia a small flower vase was presented to Netaji. He announced his intention to auction it for Rs. 25,000. His eyes were filled with tears when the first bid was for Rs. 51,000. Great were those men in the olden days who had a clear vision for their country. They gave their lives, their earnings, and everything to make our future secure and free.
“The only purpose of the human life and its essence is this: To use one's mind, body and speech for others"
- Gujarati Dadavani, August 1998