'India Would Not Have Partitioned If Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Was There': NSA Ajit Doval

India would not have been partitioned had Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose been alive, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval remarked on Saturday while delivering the first Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial lecture in Delhi organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Netaji showed audacity at various stages of his life and had the audacity to challenge Gandhi, Doval said in his lecture. "But Gandhi was at the prime of his political career. Then he resigned and when he came out of the Congress he started his struggle afresh," Doval said.

"I am not saying good or bad but there are very few parallels in the Indian history and the world history of people who had the audacity to sail against the current -- and not an easy current," Doval said adding that Netaji was a lonely person, had no country supporting him except Japan.

Recognising the remarkable achievements of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Doval applauded his audacity and tenacity in his commitment for the country. He highlighted how Bose fearlessly challenged British authorities, confronting a British principal during his college days, to resigning from the Indian National Congress at a young age, defying even Mahatma Gandhi.

At the same time, Doval said Bose had great respect for Gandhi. "Bose possessed audacity like no other. He had the courage to challenge the prevailing powers, regardless of the consequences. His audacity was evident throughout his life, from his journey to London for the ICS to his escape from India during detention. He displayed unparalleled bravery and determination," he said.

Highlighting the legacy of Bose, Doval spoke about Netaji's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and how he envisioned a unified and strong India.

"Bose's leadership was exceptional. He recognised India as a reality, transcending divisions of caste, religion, and ethnicity. His vision of a united India, encapsulated in his famous slogan 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja.' It resonated with people across all walks of life. He inspired them to fight for their country, united in their pursuit of freedom," Doval said.

The NSA said Bose was a secular person and that he was deeply religious.