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It’s 23rd January, one of the most special days for Indians. Today, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born.

And the rest is history.

People say 15th August exists because of 23rd January. That is an emotional statement, because independence cannot be achieved by a single human. But Netaji played a huge role in India’s freedom struggle. So today, I am sharing 10 lessons from his life.

1. Conviction matters more than approval

Netaji was once a top leader within the Indian National Congress, even elected as its president. But when his vision for India’s freedom did not align with the majority, he chose to walk away. He knew staying popular was easier than standing firm. His life shows that progress often begins when you are willing to lose approval for the sake of belief.

2. Sacrifice is the price of serious goals

Netaji cleared the Indian Civil Services exam, one of the most prestigious paths under British rule. Instead of enjoying power and comfort, he resigned because he believed serving a colonial system went against his values. This reminds us that big goals often demand giving up something valuable in return.

3. Leadership is built through action, not titles

After stepping away from established political power, Netaji did not stop working for his goal. He continued organising, travelling, and mobilising people across countries. He eventually led the Indian National Army himself. His leadership came not from position, but from doing the hard work others hesitated to do.

4. Discipline turns vision into force

The Indian National Army was not just an emotional movement. Netaji insisted on discipline, structure, and accountability. He believed freedom could not be achieved through passion alone. This teaches that vision without discipline remains unfulfilled.

5. Strategy must change when circumstances change

When Netaji felt that constitutional methods and negotiations were not working, he chose a different path. He sought international support and believed armed resistance was necessary at that moment. His life shows that sticking blindly to one method can limit progress.

6. Courage often looks like standing alone

Many leaders criticised Netaji’s choices, especially his alliances during the war. He knew these decisions would make him controversial. Still, he moved forward because he believed hesitation was costlier than criticism. Courage, in his life, meant accepting isolation when required.

7. Freedom begins in the mind

Netaji repeatedly spoke about self-respect and dignity. He believed a nation that sees itself as weak will always remain controlled. This lesson applies beyond politics. Until people believe in their own worth, external change remains temporary.

8. Movements survive on systems, not speeches

Netaji did not rely only on powerful words. He helped build military units, governance structures, and even a provisional government. His life shows that ideas last only when supported by systems and organisation.

9. Fear does not disappear, but action can continue

Netaji escaped house arrest, travelled secretly across continents, and lived under constant threat. Fear was part of his life, but it did not stop him. His story teaches that bravery is not fearlessness, but continuing despite fear.

10. A single purpose can organise an entire life

From education to exile, from alliances to leadership, Netaji’s decisions pointed in one direction: India’s freedom. He did not chase comfort, validation, or safety. His life shows how clarity of purpose can simplify even the hardest choices.

As a Bengali and an Indian, I have been studying about Netaji since I was a kid. He is a superhero to me and to every Indian citizen.

What struck me most while reading about Netaji was how focused his life was. His father had arranged a marriage for him, but instead of settling into a comfortable life, he chose a goal very few could even imagine. It made me question how often I trade comfort for clarity and approval for conviction.

So today, I am celebrating his life, remembering him, and learning from him. You can do the same.

Thank you so much for reading the newsletter. Now tell me, which of these lessons feels uncomfortable to accept, and why?

See you!

— Anirban

Still reading the book on Buddha.

As we’re talking about Netaji, let me share something almost no one knows.

Netaji created the world’s first all-women combat regiment in modern history.

In 1943, Netaji formed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment under the Indian National Army. It was a full combat unit made entirely of women, trained for warfare, not support roles. It was led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal.

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