Modi’s special interaction with ‘young friends’ on Netaji’s birth anniversary
New Delhi/Kolkata, Jan 23: On the occasion of Parakram Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 128th birth anniversary and interacted with students at the Central Hall of Parliament.
While engaging with the students, PM Modi raised the slogan ‘Jai Hind’ with them, resonating with Netaji’s patriotic spirit.
Prime Minister then asked a student, “What resolutions do we need to achieve by 2047?” The student replied, “To make India a ‘Viksit Bharat’.”
He said Netaji, as Bose was fondly called, chose to shun comfort zone and preferred to struggle for the country’s independence.
Modi said, “He never got trapped in a comfort zone. Similarly, we all have to step out of our comfort zone to build a viksit Bharat. We have to make ourselves the best globally. We have to choose excellence and focus on efficiency.” Bose was single-mindedly focused on the country’s ‘swaraj’ (self rule) and people from diverse backgrounds united for the cause, he said.
“Now we have to stay united for a developed India,” he added.
Following the Centre’s decision to observe Netaji’s birth anniversary as ‘Parakram Diwas’ (Day of Valour) in 2021, the first such event was held that year at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. The following year saw the unveiling of a hologram statue of Netaji at India Gate, New Delhi; and in 2023, 21 unnamed islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were named after the 21 Param Vir Chakra Awardees.
In 2024, the Prime Minister inaugurated the event at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, the site of the INA trials.
This year the Parakram Diwas celebration is being organised by the Ministry of Culture at Cuttack, Netaji’s birthplace and the city that shaped his early sensibilities.
The three-day event began with the Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and other dignitaries paying homage to Netaji and hoisting the National Flag at the house where Netaji was born, which has now been converted into a museum dedicated to him.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recalled Bose’s unyielding spirit towards the cause of the country.
West Bengal Chief Minister said Bose’s life was a symphony of courage, intellect, and uncompromising patriotism.
In Kolkata, Left Front leaders, led by chairman Biman Bose, paid floral tributes to Netaji at Subodh Mallick Square.
At an event in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Bose as the “epitome of courage, loyalty, and selfless service,” calling on the youth to find inspiration in his vision and ideals.
In Ranchi, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighted Bose’s significant influence in regions like Jharkhand, Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and emphasised the pride the state feels in being associated with such a great leader. In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav slammed the Congress for ignoring the contributions of Bose, whose birth anniversary was observed during the day, and Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Bengal PS preserves tea cup, saucer offered to Netaji by British officer
Barely a kilometre-and-a-half from Shyamnagar railway station in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district lies the unassuming Noapara police station, which holds a unique historical connection to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
On January 23 every year, policemen at the station not only celebrate Netaji’s birth anniversary, but also commemorate the freedom fighter’s brief yet significant “stay” at the station when he was detained by the British in 1931.
Nearly 93 years ago, around 5pm on October 11, 1931, Netaji was arrested by the British police while on his way to address a meeting of the Bengal jute mill workers’ organisation at Golghar in Jagaddal.
He was taken to Noapara police station, where he was detained for a few hours. During his detention, Bose was offered tea, which he declined because it was given by a British officer. The ceramic cup and saucer used on that occasion have been carefully preserved by the police station as a tribute to the legendary freedom fighter.
As a mark of respect, the police station installed a small memorial inside its premises. It includes a photograph of Netaji placed beside the preserved cup and saucer. A room has also been converted into a library featuring books on Netaji’s life and legacy. (Agencies)