Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, revisited one of the most thrilling chapters of India’s freedom struggle: the daring escape of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in January 1941. Highlighting Gomoh, a small yet historically significant town in Jharkhand, PM Modi brought to life the events that culminated in Bose’s escape from British surveillance, a feat of immense courage and meticulous planning.
This episode of Mann Ki Baat, aired ahead of Netaji’s birth anniversary celebrated as Parakram Diwas on January 23, 2025, served as a tribute to Bose’s indomitable spirit and visionary leadership.
PM Modi began by narrating the gripping sequence of events, often referred to as The Great Escape. Under house arrest at his Elgin Road residence in Kolkata, Bose was under the constant watch of the British authorities. The year was 1941, and World War II was raging globally. Anti-British sentiment in India had reached a crescendo, and Bose, already a symbol of defiance, was determined to elude British captivity and garner international support for India’s freedom.
Disguised as a Pathan to avoid detection, Bose left his home on the night of January 17, 1941. His escape was meticulously orchestrated with the help of his nephew, Dr. Shishir Bose, who drove him in a Wanderer car (registration number BLA 7169) through the dark, deserted streets of Kolkata. Their destination was Gomoh, a railway town in Jharkhand, strategically chosen for its critical junction.
The journey was fraught with danger. British checkpoints dotted the roads, and the slightest misstep could have jeopardised the entire plan. However, by 8 p.m., Bose reached the house of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a trusted lawyer friend, in Gomoh’s Loco Bazar.
PM Modi vividly described how Gomoh Station played a crucial role in Bose’s escape. At Abdullah’s house, local tailor Amin Tailor hastily prepared a Pathan outfit for Bose. Amin personally escorted him to Gomoh railway station at 1 a.m., under the cover of darkness.
Bose boarded the Howrah-Peshawar Mail (later renamed Netaji Express in 2021) and traveled to Delhi. From there, he took the Frontier Mail to Peshawar, disguising himself further as an Afghan insurance agent. His ultimate destination was Europe via Afghanistan, where he sought support for India’s independence from the Axis powers.
Shishir Bose later recounted this emotional moment in his book:
“At Gomoh station, a sleepy porter carried Netaji’s luggage as he climbed the overbridge and disappeared into the darkness. Moments later, the Kalka Mail arrived, and I stood outside the station, listening to the sound of its wheels which carried him further into history.”
To highlight the historic significance of this escape, Gomoh railway station was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Junction in 2009. Today, a life-sized bronze statue of Netaji stands between platforms 1 and 2, alongside a plaque narrating the daring tale of his escape.
Historical records show that the British authorities discovered Bose’s disappearance nine days later, on January 27, 1941. The success of his escape was a testament to his strategic brilliance and the unwavering support of compatriots like Satyaranjan Bakshi, Alijan, and Chiranjeev Babu, who risked their lives to aid him.
PM Modi’s reflections on Netaji’s Legacy
In his address, PM Modi emphasised Netaji’s courage, vision, and administrative acumen. At the age of 27, Bose had become the Chief Executive Officer of the Kolkata Corporation and later its Mayor. His work in education, public health, and sanitation set benchmarks for governance.
PM Modi also highlighted Bose’s innovative use of radio as a tool of resistance. He established Azad Hind Radio, which broadcast messages of freedom in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Bangla, Marathi, and Pashto, galvanising Indians across regions to join the fight against colonial rule.
“Netaji’s speeches on Azad Hind Radio inspired millions. His courage and vision continue to guide us today,” PM Modi said, urging the youth to delve into Bose’s life and draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to India’s independence.
