Bhagat Singh's Pivotal Choice: Bolivia over Bose - Realities and Expectations
It might come as a surprise to many, but it is indeed true that Bhagat Singh, one of India's prominent revolutionaries, had a preference for Jawaharlal Nehru over Subhash Chandra Bose. While this fact may seem shocking, it's crucial to delve into the actual contexts and beliefs of these pivotal figures to understand Bhagat Singh's decision.
The Context and Background
Bhagat Singh, a renowned revolutionary and intellectual, was often associated with Subhash Chandra Bose due to their shared resistance against British colonial rule. However, it is important to recognize that both leaders were held in great respect by Bhagat Singh. No leader, including Bose, was beyond the scrutiny of Bhagat Singh’s analytical and rational mind.
Modes of Fighting and Ideological Alignments
When the mode of fighting against the Britishers is considered, Bhagat Singh’s views were more aligned with Subhash Chandra Bose. Bose founded the Indian National Army (INA) and fought against the British in a more militaristic manner than Bhagat Singh, who was more ideologically aligned with non-violent and militant opposition.
Bhagat Singh's Analysis: Different Thoughts of New Leaders
On 16 September 1928, Bhagat Singh wrote an article titled 'Different Thoughts of New Leaders', where he analyzed the ideologies of Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru. In this article, Bhagat Singh highlighted several key differences between the two leaders:
1. Ideological Focus
Subhash Chandra Bose: Emphasized political freedom for India, believing that India had a unique message for the world to hear. Bose often referred to ancient India and the spiritual and historical greatness of the past. Jawaharlal Nehru: Advocated for intellectual and social reforms. Nehru believed that the youth needed new, challenging ideas rather than adhering to the passé.2. Nationalism and Perspective
Subhash Chandra Bose’s nationalism was often self-obsessed and narrow. He felt that India had a special message for the world and placed strong emphasis on ancient Indian values and culture. In contrast, Nehru believed in the need to evaluate traditions through the lens of reason and modernity.
3. Intellectual Appeal
According to Bhagat Singh, Nehru was more intellectually challenging and satisfying than Bose. He argued that the youth needed new ideas and intellectual nourishment, which could only be provided by Nehru.
4. Emotional vs. Rational Leadership
Subhash Chandra Bose was often described as soft-hearted, romantic, and a fighter against the British. In contrast, Nehru was seen as a rationalist and realist, more focused on achieving change through logic and rational thought.
In another sense, Subhash Chandra Bose's desire for freedom was rooted in the belief that India and Britain were from different ‘worlds’—the East and the West. For Nehru, the fight for freedom was about transforming India's social and economic systems to establish self-rule and progress.
Conclusion
The choice made by Bhagat Singh to favor Jawaharlal Nehru over Subhash Chandra Bose was not merely a personal preference but a reflection of deeper ideological differences. While Bose's militarism and romantic view of ancient India appealed to a certain segment of the population, Nehru offered a more rational and progressive path towards freedom and social reform.
To gain a more detailed understanding, one can refer to Bhagat Singh's article: 'Different Thoughts of New Leaders'. This article provides a comprehensive insight into Bhagat Singh's thoughts on both leaders and their respective ideologies.