On the birth anniversary of anti-colonial Indian revolutionary, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, on Friday, leaders from across party lines paid rich tributes to the freedom fighter who contributed immensely to the country’s fight for independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Bose epitomised fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism. In a series of posts on X, the prime minister listed out steps taken by his government to popularise Bose’s ideals and slammed efforts by previous governments to forget his contribution to the nation, saying Bose did not “fit the agenda of those who ruled the nation for decades”.
“On the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which is commemorated as Parakram Diwas, we recall his indomitable courage, resolve and unparalleled contribution to the nation. He epitomised fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism. His ideals continue to inspire generations to build a strong India,” PM Modi wrote.
The prime minister said Bose’s birth anniversary was declared as Parakram Diwas to honour him. “In 2021, I visited Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata, from where Netaji began his great escape,” he said.
The prime minister said a shining example of his government’s efforts to revere Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose can be seen in the decision to place his grand statue next to India Gate, in the heart of the national capital.
“This grand statue will inspire people for generations to come,” he added.
As a tribute to Bose and to honour him, the prime minister said he had launched the ‘e-Gram Vishwagram Yojana’ whilst he was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2009. “This was a pioneering scheme aimed at transforming Gujarat’s IT landscape. The scheme was launched from Haripura, which had a special place in Netaji Bose’s life. I will never forget the manner in which the people of Haripura welcomed me and organised a procession on the same road where Netaji Bose had travelled,” PM Modi wrote.
He also recalled a massive programme organised in Ahmedabad in 2012 to mark the ‘Azad Hind Fauj Day’, which was attended by people inspired by Bose, including former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma.
PM Modi said a “landmark step” was the declassification of files and documents relating to Bose.
In another post, the prime minister said 2018 was a landmark year for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Azad Hind government at the Red Fort and observing the 75th anniversary of Bose unfurling the tricolour in Srivijayapuram (then Port Blair) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“Three prominent islands were also renamed, including Ross Island, which became Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep,” the PM said.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday paid tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, and urged the central government to declassify all remaining documents related to the legendary freedom fighter.
In a post on X, Banerjee also lamented that even after decades, “the mystery surrounding his disappearance remains unsolved”.
“On the birth anniversary of Deshnayak Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I offer my heartfelt respect and salutations to him,” she said.
“It is our collective misfortune that the mystery of Netaji’s disappearance has not been solved even today. We do not know what happened to him after 1945. This is a matter of great sorrow for everyone,” the CM said.
Banerjee said the West Bengal government had released all state files related to Bose into the public domain long ago.
“I will once again appeal to the Government of India to declassify all information related to Netaji,” she said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday paid tributes to Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, saying that he gave a new direction to India's freedom movement by establishing the Indian National Army (INA).
In a post on his official X handle, Adityanath described Bose as a true son of the nation and the leader who gave the stirring slogan, "Give me blood, and I will give you freedom".
"Netaji, the true son of Bharat Mata and the one who gave the clarion call, 'tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga', gave a new direction to the freedom struggle by forming the Azad Hind Fauj. His valour, courage and selfless devotion to Mother India are worthy of reverence," the chief minister said.
Extending greetings on the occasion, Adityanath said, "On the birth anniversary of such a great devotee of the nation, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I pay my humble tributes and extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on 'Parakram Diwas'. Jai Hind!" Bose's birth anniversary is officially celebrated as 'Parakram Diwas' on January 23.
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