Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 115th Birth Anniversary observed in city
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Morning processions, floral tributes and chanting of patriotic songs marked the 115th Birth Anniversary of the “Patriot of Patriots” Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose here on Monday.
Deputy CM Bindo M Lanong unfurled the national flag during the ceremony which was organized by the Greater Shillong Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee at the U Soso Tham Auditorium premises where the life-size statue of Netaji is located.
Addressing the gathering, Lanong urged upon the young generation to read and gather knowledge about the philosophy of Netaji and the values which he stood for during the freedom movement. He appealed to the organizers that sincere attempts be made to translate the writings and teachings of Netaji into the local languages for the benefit of the rural people ‘who could then know more about this great man’. “Netaji is not only a national icon but a respected figure all over the world, particularly in Southeast Asia where I have personally witnessed the manner in which the memory of this great soul is kept alive in museums, institutes and the high respect and reverence which he still commands,” said the Deputy CM.
Earlier, Prabhat ferries (morning procession) from different localities of Shillong converged at the venue where floral tributes were paid to the freedom fighter.
It may be mentioned that Netaji first visited Shillong in 1927 and later again in 1938 when he was the president of Indian National Congress (INC).
Naba Bhattacharjee, President of the celebration committee dwelt on the Union Government’s reluctance to declare January 23 as “Desh Prem Divas” despite demands from all over the country. He questioned the mystery behind the reluctance of all governments, both present and past, in avoiding any concrete step to confer even the minimum recognition to this freedom fighter whom Mahatma Gandhi described as the “Patriot of Patriots”. He also read out a memorandum for submission to the Governor after obtaining signatures from all over the state and urged upon His Excellency to use his good office in declaring the day as “Desh Prem Divas”.
Shyamanda Bhattacharjee, secretary, Bangiya Sahitya Parishad in his address spoke about the democratic nature of Netaji’s functioning with a major highlight being his totally secular credentials – both adequately practiced in INA.
In the evening candles and lamps were lit in large numbers near Netaji’s statue by the general public. Netaji’s birthday was also celebrated at Sanatan Dharmasabha Harisabha, Netaji Square (Jail Road) and other localities in the city.