SHILLONG/TURA, Jan 23: A statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose erected on the premises of Rilbong Sports and Cultural Club here was unveiled on the occasion of his 125th Birth Anniversary, on Sunday.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was scheduled to attend the programme and unveil the statue but was unable to do so after testing positive for COVID-19. His message to the gathering was played during the programme.The programme started with the hoisting of the national flag by former minister, Manas Chaudhuri, and singing of the National Anthem amid chanting of ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Jai Hind’ and ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Amar Rahey’.
In his address, Chaudhuri called the occasion a momentous one for the people of Rilbong, and termed it as fulfillment of a long-cherished dream of having a statue of Netaji in Rilbong vicinity as a way of giving tribute and respect to the man who gave it all for the country.
Sharing his thoughts on Netaji, he said, “Everybody knows everything about Netaji but every time we get an opportunity we need to revisit the life, spirit and patriotism of Netaji so that that flame of patriotism lights up the hearts of every Indian and they continue the struggle for taking India to its promised land.”
Recalling Netaji’s tireless spirit to move ahead and excel despite the odds, he made an appeal to all present to take inspiration from the spirit that was displayed by Netaji.
Freedom fighter Tushar Kanti Bhatacharjee unveiled Netaji’s statue along with others and later a floral tribute was also paid to the great leader.
Speaking on the occasion, retired teacher and eminent Netaji scholar, Abhijeet Chaudhary, talked about the bitter-sweet relationship that was shared by Netaji and Mahatma Gandhi.
Renowned academician and Associate Professor of History, NEHU, Dr Binayak Dutta, said, “Had it not been for Netaji, this region would not have been part of India, and every Indian who resides in the North East must be grateful to Netaji for the stand he took.”
He went on to put emphasize that the crucial role of Netaji’s Indian National Army (INA), stating that it was an organization that brought people together cutting across community, religion and other social barriers.
Pointing out that Netaji took the first step to free a part of the country, even though not much about the INA is available in history books, he said that it is all the more important to remember the contributions of the INA.
A book penned by Uma Purkayastha titled ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Shillong’ was also released on the occasion.
Eminent leaders and citizens were felicitated on the day, while a cultural programme was also in the line-up that entertained the attendees.
Commandent of 67 Battalion CRPF, Alok Bhattacharjee, and ICCR Regional Director, Munish Singh, besides a host of dignitaries as well as the citizens were also present during the programme.
Meanwhile, Greater Shillong Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthday Celebration Committee, Shillong, also celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji on State Central Library premises here.
The main celebration included hoisting of the national flag, release of 126 balloons, floral tribute and speeches on Netaji.
Former minister and founding general secretary of the committee, Manas Chaudhuri, was the chief guest of the occasion besides other dignitaries.
Many admirers of Netaji also attended the function.
Art and essay writing competition were organized as part of the celebration. However, the prize distribution was postponed owing to COVID restrictions.
A release issued here informed that the results of the competition will be declared within a few days and will be sent to all the participants through SMS.
In Tura, a grand function was organized by the Tura Netaji Anniversary Celebration Committee to mark the 125th birth anniversary (Parakram Day) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which was attended by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, who led the gathering in paying floral tribute.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Ram Singh urged the youths to follow in Netaji’s footsteps and contribute to the well being of the nation. He urged them to draw motivation from Netaji’s supreme sacrifice and serve the country in the same manner.
Earlier, retired Colonel Saxena who was the special guest spoke at length about Netaji’s contribution.
Meanwhile, the occasion was also observed in Phulbari where members paid rich tributes to the portrait of the great freedom fighter.