Subhash Chandra Basu Samagra 1 by Subhash Chandra Basu [Hardcover]

he Liberation Icon of the Indian Subcontinent, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

The extraordinary life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose spans various chapters of the national movement. His active life and work spread across countries and continents. He was not only an ideal leader or orator but also a philosopher, thinker, and powerful writer. During different phases of his life, in different places, and under various circumstances, he wrote numerous works on diverse topics, which are now scattered far and wide. The task of compiling these writings into a complete work is undoubtedly a challenging and research-intensive endeavor.

Since the establishment of the Netaji Research Bureau in 1957 at the Netaji Bhawan, the comprehensive picture of Netaji’s multifaceted life has gradually been compiled. Over the last two decades, various writings, speeches, essays, letters, statements, documents, etc., by Subhas Chandra Bose from different parts of the world have been collected and edited. This collection of scattered writings is now being published as a comprehensive work.

This work will be completed in multiple volumes. It is a time-consuming process, but beginning this work has been a fulfilling task, a noble national duty. A few words are necessary regarding the structure of the first volume of this collected work.

First Part
This section includes his unique work Bharat Pathik (The Pilgrim of India). Bharat Pathik is an incomplete autobiography of Subhas Chandra Bose. It begins with his childhood and ends with his student life in England. In this book, the vast horizon of his life’s development, in terms of thought and work, is revealed. Not only his life but also the contemporary Bengali society and the Bengali Renaissance can be seen through the lens of this work.

Second Part
This section contains 208 letters written by Subhas Chandra Bose. Starting from letters written to his mother, Prabhavati, and his elder brother, Sarat Chandra, in his childhood, it ends with letters written to his uncle just before his release from the Mandalay jail in early 1927. Notably, this volume includes seven letters to Sarat Chandra about his decision to resign from the Indian Civil Services, among other important letters, which are being published fully for the first time.

These heartfelt letters are essential for understanding the development of Subhas Chandra Bose's mental state. They discuss personal problems, philosophical and ideological questions, making this collection highly fascinating. Reading these letters alongside the autobiography would be a deeply enriching experience for any thoughtful reader.

Third Part
In the early 1920s, when Subhas Chandra Bose began actively engaging in public service, his ideological development had already progressed significantly. He was already considered the symbol of rejuvenated India’s youth, and many saw him as the future leader of the national revolution. This section includes various writings from that time. It was during this period of his life that the future leader's vision for a prosperous and welfare-oriented India began to take shape. This section is therefore particularly significant.

Fourth Part
This section serves as the appendix to the volume. The writings in this part are fact-based and are considered supplementary to the autobiography, letters, and various essays.

The collected writings of Subhas Chandra Bose from the later stages of his life will be published in further volumes. Netaji, the central figure of national life, continues to inspire countless people across generations. We would feel privileged if we can complete this monumental task of collecting and publishing his inspiring messages.

Cover design by Bipul Guha, based on an oil painting by Haren Sengupta.

An excerpt of a letter from Subhas Chandra Bose, written from the Rangoon Central Jail to his elder sister.