Meeting Mahatma Gandhi: A Life-Changing Moment for Netaji

By a staff reporter: Subhash Chandra Bose had his first encounter with Mahatma Gandhi in 1921. Deeply appreciative of Gandhi's prominence, Bose touched his feet in a gesture of respect. Bose's keen mind and persistent devotion to India's independence inspired Gandhi in turn. “This young man will go far,” he said.

Despite the ideological disagreements that caused their paths to diverge—Bose believed in military struggle, while Gandhi advocated non-violence—this meeting was a turning point for Bose. It stoked his ambition to devote his life—in his own special way—to the emancipation of India.