India would not have been partitioned if...: Doval

Sat, 17 June 2023

20:44

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had the audacity to fearlessly challenge the British and India would not have been partitioned if he was there at that time, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Saturday.

Doval said Bose was determined to fight the British for India's Independence and never wanted to beg for freedom, adding he not only wanted to end political subjugation but felt that the political, social, economic and cultural mindset of the people has to be changed and "they should feel like free birds in the sky".

The National Security Advisor (NSA) said this while delivering the first Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose memorial lecture organised by the industry chamber ASSOCHAM.

In the course of his address, Doval delved into various aspects of Bose's life and noted that he even had the audacity to challenge Mahatma Gandhi. But at the same time, Doval noted that Bose had a deep respect for Gandhi.

"The seed, the idea that came to his mind was 'I will fight the British, I will not beg for freedom. It is my right and I will have to get it'," Doval said.

"India would not have been partitioned if Subhas Bose was there. Jinnah said I can accept only one leader and that is Subhas Bose," he added.

Doval said Bose's contribution to India is exemplary.

"In Indian history, there are very few parallels or in global history where people had the audacity to sail against the current -- and not an easy current. It was the current of the mighty British empire," he said.

"Netaji said I will not compromise for anything less than full independence and freedom," Doval said.

Netaji said "I want to free this country not only from political subjugation" but felt that the political, social, economic and cultural mindset of the people has to be changed, and "they should feel like free birds in the sky", the NSA added.

"Bose possessed audacity like no other. He had the courage to challenge the prevailing powers, regardless of the consequences. His audacity was evident throughout his life, from his journey to London for the ICS to his escape from India during detention. He displayed unparalleled bravery and determination," Doval said. -- PTI

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