DISCIPLE:
Gurudev, pranam. Today is the 23rd of January, the 125th birth anniversary of the brave son of Mother India, the national hero Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. On behalf of our temple, we have organized a small program to celebrate Netaji's birthday here at Shantikunj. We wish to hear from your holy mouth today about how Netaji inspired all Indians with the consciousness of freedom, and whether there is any possibility of his reappearance in the future.
GURUDEV:
Pranam, my son. Well, I have already shared a long episode on this, which many of you might have seen. In my personal opinion, Netaji is still alive. I believe Netaji is alive. Many have seen him in recent times, especially in Garhwal. He has been spotted in various places in Garhwal, specifically in Varanavat. Someone even sent me a photo of him from Varanavat, and he has been seen in a few other places recently as well. This proves that Netaji is still alive. He remains in hiding because our constitution mandates that Netaji must be arrested wherever he is found. Therefore, he was seeking a secure place where no one could arrest him. In that regard, he is currently in Gyanganj. He is there and in good health.
GURUDEV:
In Gyanganj, 125 years is nothing; people aged 900, 1000, or even 2000 years are still living there in their physical bodies. Many have found evidence of this. Thus, I can say that offering garlands to Netaji's portrait is pointless because he is alive. I would ask those who offer garlands: do you have any news of his death? Japan reported it, or it was declared that Netaji died in a plane crash and his ashes are kept in the Renkoji Temple in Japan. They want us to believe he died there. Now, whether those are the ashes of a dog or a fox is a matter of proof. To those offering garlands, I say he is alive, and it is better not to garland a living person. When he returns, then you may garland him; there is no issue then.
GURUDEV:
I have received many proofs. Based on that, I can confidently say he is alive. I have seen photos from 20-25 years ago, five years ago, and even two years ago. My heart is convinced he is alive and has not passed away. Some might ask why he isn't returning. It is a significant matter. There is a standing warrant—a body warrant—for Netaji's arrest. So he was looking for a safe place. Following the guidance of Kazi Nazrul Islam and others, he went to Baroda Prasad in Murshidabad. And thereafter, Baroda Prasad entrusted him with the responsibility of Gyanganj. Vivekananda held it first, then it passed to Baroda Prasad, and then to Netaji.
GURUDEV:
Such a monumental figure cannot simply die like that. He possesses immense wisdom and a sharp intellect. It is unbelievable that he would just board a plane and crash; it is not credible. Extensive research is being conducted on him. I receive information from various sources, and it is clear he is alive and moves through many caves in Garhwal. His return remains a question mark because of that body warrant. Unless that is resolved, I cannot say if the brave son of Mother India will step back onto Indian soil.
DISCIPLE:
Gurudev, my question was regarding how he inspired the people of India for independence. In that context, what would you say to today's society, especially the youth, to inspire them as Netaji did?
GURUDEV:
Such people no longer exist. Those kinds of people have left West Bengal and India. I despise those who deny the brave sons of Mother India. Netaji's guru was Swami Vivekananda. There is a symbol of a burning fire on Mother India's head in some imagery. That is nothing but... Swamiji wanted India to be free. Although he died young at 39, the responsibility was then placed on Netaji. He accepted that responsibility and is now in Gyanganj, overseeing everything. It is not a place where ordinary people can go. The fire on Mother India's head refers to Kashmir.
GURUDEV:
Lord Mountbatten, along with Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, did something that forced us to suffer for a lifetime. Today, the abolishment of Article 370 in Kashmir is walking the path that might allow Netaji to return. This is an internal matter, beyond the understanding of common people. Only a few groups, like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad or the RSS, are working towards Netaji's return. However, without proper security... once a law is enacted, it is very difficult to repeal. Regarding Netaji, as I said, there is a body warrant. Without resolving that, his reappearance would be problematic.
GURUDEV:
Swamiji is sitting at the feet of Mother India. Swamiji wanted India's freedom, but he died in 1902 before his dream was fully realized. His disciple, Netaji, took it forward. When we think of freedom, we must consider not just Vivekananda but also Netaji's immense contribution. Some people set Mother India's head on fire—referring to Article 370 in Kashmir. That needed to be abolished, and the constitution needs amendments. Changing the constitution once it is set is very tough. They are trying in various ways. They have also established that Netaji is alive and did not die in a plane crash.
GURUDEV:
Ordinary people do not know and do not care, but when India became independent at 12:00 midnight... only thieves would make a country independent at midnight. While everyone was asleep, it was declared. People did not even get to experience the taste of freedom. It was done according to English time. Many had warned Nehru and Gandhi against it, but they ignored everything and declared independence for their own ends. They acted like thieves, dacoits, or cheats. Gandhi had two sons: Feroze and Jawaharlal. They were like two sons. One was given Pakistan, the other Hindustan. Hindus would rule India and Muslims would go to their designated place, but that did not happen.
GURUDEV:
A day will come when India will be truly independent again, perhaps when Netaji returns. Syama Prasad Mukherjee was removed because he wanted one law for all of India. He was closely linked with the VHP and RSS. Netaji will return, but the path must be cleared by amending the constitution. The destruction of the old path has started. When Netaji's path is cleared, he will return. We must be grateful. Let people study the history of how India gained independence. Why was it done so hastily? Only to serve specific interests. A country of millions back then did not know the truth about independence.
DISCIPLE:
Friends, we hope that Netaji's struggle against colonialism, the courage, and the immense contribution he left behind... India will always remain grateful to Netaji. Finally, we say Bharat Mata ki Jai, Jai Hind.
GURUDEV:
Jai Hind, Vande Mataram. Blessings to you.