"To my countrymen I say, 'Forget not that the greatest curse for a man is to remain a slave. Forget not that the grossest crime is  to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law-you must give life, if you want to get it. And remember that the highest virtue is to battle against iniquity, no matter what the cost may be'."

These lines by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose contain the essence of his life's philosophy, a philosophy which permeated  his actions and ensured a place of pre-eminence for him in the history of India's struggle for freedom.

Born on January 23, 1897, Subhas Chandra Bose was deeply influenced by the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda. He appeared for the  Indian Civil Service competitive examination in 1920, and came out fourth in order of merit. He however resigned, responding to Mahatma Gandhi's call to the nation, for sacrifice, in the wake of Jalianwala Bagh massacre.

In June 1940 at the Nagpur Session  of the All India Forward Block, he called for immediate establishment of a provisional National Government. Soon after he was arrested and sent to jail. While in prison, he resorted to hunger strike whereupon he was released and kept under house arrest. His dramatic escape thereafter is recorded in history.

Thereafter, Subhash Chandra Bose  took  over from Rash Bihari Bose the leadership of the Indian Independence Movement in East Asia, and organised the 'Azad Hind Fauz', 'Indian National Army'  and became its supreme Commander. He proclaimed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind  on  October 21, 1943. A rare personality in contemporary history, Subhas Chandra Bose was at once deeply involved in the spiritual history of India and actively concerned with the modern, social and technological advances around the world. He was driven by an overpowering sense of mission and sought to inspire his compatriots with the same dedication to the cause. In this he succeeded in a large measure and was hailed as Netaji, the leader.

Gandhiji's words, bear eloquent testimony to Netaji's place of eminence, in the freedom struggle of this country -

"Netaji's name is one to conjure with. His patriotism is second to none. His bravery shines through all his actions....

"His  was  a  life  full  of  perilous  adventure  and romance. His daring was unequalled.

"He has rendered a signal service to India by giving the Indian soldier a new vision and a new ideal.

"The lesson that Netaji and his army bring to us is one of self-sacrifice, unity irrespective of class and community, and discipline. If our adoration  will  be wise and discriminating, we will rightly copy this trinity of virtues.........Then we will be able to stand erect before the world."

The Department of Post deems it a great privilege to issue this special commemorative stamp to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India