Inquilab Zindabad wasn’t an overnight success. It took years of blood, sweat and tears for the revolution to rise.

In The Making of Netaji, we explore the journey of Bose, tracing his growth into a pivotal figure in the country’s struggle for freedom from the British Raj. This collection features selected speeches and writings, spanning from 1912 to 1945—as the philosophical and intellectual backbone of his political ideology was built. It is the story of a revolutionary, told in his own words, blending iconic speeches like Give me blood, and I promise you freedom! with in-depth writings such as A Glimpse of the Future. This collection offers a compelling window into the making of one of the nation’s foremost architects of freedom.

Born into a privileged Hindu family, Bose received an English education. He left his higher studies in pursuit of a higher calling—come back home and work for the freedom of his motherland. Charismatic and devoted, his rallying cries inspired hundreds of people to join the Azad Hind Fauj for the liberation of the country. Letters that he exchanged with his mother show a side of him unknown to many; the inner turmoil he went through in his early years led to his formation as a national leader later. Arranged chronologically, these documents guide readers through the evolution of Bose’s ideological convictions and leadership style. As each piece unfolds in the context of its time, it reveals not only his political vision but also the shifting circumstances that shaped his decisions, offering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the man behind the movement.

Even eight decades after his death—his footprints are still visible on the soil of the nation.

The Index Series by The Bombay Circle Press brings you a curated collection of stories from and about the history of India. From the speeches of Netaji to the empires that shaped Bharat, each volume is thoughtfully compiled and edited by The Bombay Circle Press team. The Making of Netaji marks the first volume in The Index Series and is a collection of Subhash Chandra Bose’s correspondence, speeches and other writings.