Who first used the title Father of the Nation for Mahatma Gandhi in a public address?

Introduction / Context:
The question checks your knowledge of a very popular title associated with Mahatma Gandhi – Father of the Nation – and asks specifically who first used this expression for him in a public address. This is a favourite fact-based question in Indian history and general knowledge exams, and it also helps you connect key freedom movement leaders and their interactions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mahatma Gandhi is popularly called the Father of the Nation in India.
• The options include Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and None of the above.
• The question is not asking about official constitutional usage but about the first public use of the title.
• We rely on widely accepted exam-oriented historical references.

Concept / Approach:
In exam-oriented history, the first popular public use of the phrase Father of the Nation for Mahatma Gandhi is generally attributed to Subhas Chandra Bose. During a radio broadcast from the Azad Hind Radio in the 1940s (often dated to 1944), Bose is said to have addressed Gandhi as the Father of our Nation while seeking his blessings for the freedom struggle. Although there is discussion about official recognition and the absence of a formal government proclamation, for objective questions the standard answer remains Subhas Chandra Bose, not Tagore or other leaders.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase 'gave the title' which in this context means first publicly addressing Gandhi as Father of the Nation.Step 2: Recall that Rabindranath Tagore famously called Gandhi 'Mahatma', not Father of the Nation.Step 3: Remember that Gopal Krishna Gokhale was Gandhi's political mentor, but he died in 1915, much earlier than the later phase of the struggle when this title became common.Step 4: Link the title Father of the Nation with Subhas Chandra Bose's emotional radio address to Gandhi during the Azad Hind period.Step 5: Therefore, choose Subhas Chandra Bose as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most competitive exam guides and GK compilations clearly state that Subhas Chandra Bose first referred to Mahatma Gandhi as Father of the Nation in a radio message from Singapore, appealing to him for blessings. They simultaneously mention that the Indian Constitution does not officially confer this title, to avoid confusion about legal status. This repeated pattern in exam material confirms that, for MCQ purposes, Bose is the expected correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rabindranath Tagore: He conferred the title 'Mahatma' on Gandhi, not Father of the Nation.Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A respected moderate leader and Gandhi's mentor, but there is no standard reference to him using this specific title.None of the above: This would be chosen only if no option matched the historical record; here, Subhas Chandra Bose clearly does.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse the person who gave the title Mahatma (Tagore) with the person who used the title Father of the Nation (Bose). Another pitfall is overthinking the question and worrying about official government recognition, which is not what the exam is asking. For objective questions, remember the simple mapping: Tagore – Mahatma; Subhas Chandra Bose – Father of the Nation (in a public address).

Final Answer:
The title Father of the Nation was first used for Mahatma Gandhi in a public address by Subhas Chandra Bose.