Book explores return of Netaji to India, post 1945
The Statesman | 30 January 2026
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is remembered as one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. He stood for courage, sacrifice, and the dream of an independent India. His leadership and vision continue to inspire people even today.
Officially, Netaji is said to have died in a plane crash in 1945. Yet, many aspects of his later life remain uncertain. One figure associated with this mystery is Bhagwanji, also called Gumnami Baba, who is supposed to have lived in Uttar Pradesh (Faizabad) for decades. Many objects, letters, and documents linked with him show a connection with Netaji.
Kunal Bose, in his book Subhas Firechilen (Subhas had returned), explores the period of Netaji’s life. The author said: “This book is about understanding Netaji, not just as a legend but as a person. I wanted to look at the choices he made and the gaps history has left behind.”
Kunal Bose’s interest in Netaji started at a very young age. “When I was in school, I drew a portrait of Netaji,” he says. “I practiced the lines again and again until I could capture his expression. That early attention to detail taught me patience as well as observation,” he added.
This practice stayed with him throughout his career. Bose mentioned: “Later, as a journalist, I realised that research requires the same careful attention – examining documents, verifying the facts and understanding the stories of the people.” The early connection with painting helped him to appreciate Netaji as a real person, not just a historical figure and statue.
Bose’s work focuses on the years after 1945 and on the life of Bhagwanji. It examines where he might have lived, who he met, and how he spent his later years. Bose added: “The ministry of home affairs has handled the official information on Netaji carefully. Documents related to his life have been declassified and made available for researchers. These documents help us to understand history. They give context without any form of speculation.”
With his research, Bose hopes to motivate younger generations to remember Netaji not only through statues and memorials but as a person who fought for the country and inspired many. “Netaji was a soldier, a thinker, and a dreamer,” Bose says. “Even if some details remain unknown, his courage and vision continue to guide people even today.”