1997 - Subhas Chandra Bose | Commemorative Coin

The 3rd commemorative coin of 1997 was released to mark the Centenary of Subhas Chandra Bose, with the corrected year.

Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most dynamic and revered freedom fighters, was commemorated across the nation in 1997 as the country marked the centenary of his birth. Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, Bose grew into a figure who commanded extraordinary respect, devotion, and admiration, not only for his intellectual brilliance but also for his unwavering dedication to securing India’s complete independence. The centenary year offered an opportunity for the nation to reflect on his life, ideals, and the extraordinary impact he made on the course of India’s freedom movement.

Throughout his political career, Bose stood out for his fearless conviction and his belief that India deserved nothing less than total freedom. His leadership of the Forward Bloc, his dynamic personality, and his uncompromising stance against colonial rule distinguished him from many of his contemporaries. However, it was his role in reorganizing and energizing the Indian National Army that earned him a place of unparalleled honour in history. Bose’s call for absolute sacrifice in the name of liberty, immortalized in the words “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom,” resonated deeply with Indians across generations.

The centenary year of 1997 sparked renewed interest in Bose’s legacy. Educational institutions, cultural organizations, and national forums revisited the milestones of his journey—from his early academic excellence to his daring escape from house arrest, and from his efforts to build international alliances to his inspiring leadership of the Azad Hind movement. Public discussions and commemorative programs emphasized the relevance of his message for contemporary India. His vision for a strong, united, and self-reliant nation became a focal point of conversation, highlighting how his ideals continue to inspire the youth even today.

As India looked back on the hundred years since his birth, Bose was celebrated not only as a revolutionary leader but also as a symbol of courage, discipline, and patriotism. The centenary observances underscored his role as a transformative force who challenged the status quo and broadened the possibilities of India’s freedom struggle. Even decades after his disappearance, his name evokes a sense of deep respect and admiration, reminding the nation of a leader who lived and died for the dream of an independent India.

The year 1997 thus became a moment of national remembrance, honouring a man whose life remains a source of inspiration. Subhas Chandra Bose’s centenary offered India the chance to reflect on his enduring legacy—one rooted in sacrifice, vision, and an unshakeable commitment to the motherland. His story continues to inspire countless individuals, reaffirming his place among the most iconic figures of India’s long and complex struggle for freedom.

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