Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Subhas Chandra Bose

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This volume makes an in-depth study of the political ideology of Subhas Chandra Bose, better known as Netaji. Providing new insights into his life and times, it discusses at length his concept of socialism, his contribution to nationalism and India's freedom struggle, and his views on communal harmony and fascism. Netaji's critique of Gandhian leadership also finds place in the discussion.

Dr. (Miss) Ashu Pasricha is a faculty in Gandhian Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has many books to her credit including Gandhian Approach to Integrated Rural Development; Public Administration: Discipline and Dimensions; Peace Studies: Discipline and Dimensions; WTO, Self-reliance and Globalisation; and Gandhi's Concept of State and Power. Also, she has published a number of research papers in various Indian and foreign journals of repute.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only born patriotic leader but was also an original thinker. Unfortunately, Indian academics hardly acknowledged this fact and usually take a casual interest in studying this greatman and the principles he stood for, who believed in ushering a new decolonised, united socialist India.

There is no denying of the fact that Subhas Chandra Bose was not a political philosopher in the traditional sense of the term, for he never indulged in philosophical discourses with theoretical premises. He was deeply involved in the national politics of colonial India and concentrated all his energy in overthrowing the British rule. The achievement of freedom was his prime goal. Hence, his political ideas mainly revolved around national freedom which aimed at paving the way for bright future of India. However, there is a spontaneity in his political thinking which cannot be separated from his hectic political life.

As a zero sum player Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose once bluntly said, "I am an extremist and my principle is-all or none". As a genuine leader he had proved how to sacrifice everything for the sake of attaining one of his biggest and cherished goals in life, that is, to liberate the Motherland India from the clutches of British Imperialism. He was not interested in just negotiation for transfer of power from the British hand to Indian hands by breaking the country into two parts: India and Pakistan. He was aware that some leaders were interested to act as "power brokers" between them and the mischievous colonist. While fighting the British, Subhas clearly stated that Britain is India's enemy and Britain's enemy is India's friend. It was his strong sense of nationalism that distinguished him from others. Mahatma Gandhi called him "patriot of patriots".

**Contents and Sample Pages**