Do you know what is the hardest thing to do?
Being part of the system and yet seeing its biggest flaws that others cannot.
Today, on his birth anniversary, I want to share the journey of one person who showed us to think differently – a freedom fighter who went against the grain by embodying what it meant to think and pursue the impossible.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, was a man who challenged not just British rule, but the very notion of what was considered possible in the fight for India’s independence.
When most leaders advocated for non-violent resistance, Bose dared to think differently.
A brilliant student who secured fourth place in the Indian Civil Services examination, he resigned from his prestigious position, declaring that he couldn’t serve the British Empire and his conscience.
This decision marked the beginning of his “impossible” journey.
What made Bose truly exceptional was his audacious vision. While others saw World War II as a time to support British war efforts, Bose recognized it as an opportunity to strike for independence.
His famous quote, “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom,” wasn’t just rhetoric – it was a fundamental challenge to the prevailing philosophy of the independence movement.
Consider these “impossible” achievements:
His escape from British house arrest reads like a thriller novel – disguising himself as a Pathan insurance agent, travelling through Afghanistan and the Soviet Union to reach Germany. When most would have seen being under strict British surveillance as a dead end, Bose saw it as merely the beginning of a new chapter.
The formation of the Indian National Army (INA) was perhaps his most “impossible” feat. Picture this: creating an army of 60,000 soldiers from Indian prisoners of war in Japanese camps, convincing them to fight for a free India while the world was caught in the flames of World War II. The INA included the world’s first women’s regiment in a combat role – the Rani of Jhansi Regiment – when women in military combat were unthinkable.
But here’s what makes Bose’s story relevant to our community: exceptional thinking always courts controversy. His alliance with Axis powers during World War II was controversial, yet it stemmed from his pragmatic philosophy: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
His socialist leanings and militant approach to independence drew criticism, yet they emerged from a deep understanding that freedom sometimes requires radical action.
Bose’s life teaches us that being “impossible” often means:
- Embracing contradiction – being an intellectual who chooses action over theory
- Accepting isolation – standing firm in your convictions even when you stand alone
- Turning disadvantages into advantages – transforming captured soldiers into freedom fighters
The controversies surrounding Bose – from his political ideology to the mysterious circumstances of his death – remind us that exceptional paths rarely receive universal approval. Yet, it’s precisely this willingness to be misunderstood that often defines history’s most impactful figures.
As members of a community that celebrates the impossible, let’s remember that Bose’s legacy isn’t just about what he achieved, but how he achieved it – by refusing to accept the limitations others saw as absolute. His life stands as a testament to the power of impossible thinking and the courage to act on it.
The next time you face a challenge that seems impossible, remember Netaji’s words: “Life loses half its interest if there is no struggle – if there are no risks to be taken.”
We can take this as a rallying cry for us to keep pushing our boundaries, Harish.
While we don’t have to battle for freedom like Netaji did, we do have a battle within to find the limits of what’s possible to expand our impact and growth beyond our imagination. If you are inspired by exploring such a courageous path for yourself, reply and I will share with you a 30-minute video guide to get started and make the most of 2025.
Stay Blessed, Stay Powerful,
Harish
