"Never lose faith in the dream of independent India, there is no power in the world that can shake India."
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
-
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is celebrated for his unparalleled dedication to opposing colonial rule in India. As a visionary leader, Bose played a pivotal role in energising the masses and mobilising them toward the objective of independence from British colonial dominance. His steadfast commitment to the cause served as a profound source of inspiration, prompting crore of Indians to engage in the struggle for freedom actively. Despite his remarkable stature and numerous admirable qualities, Netaji's contributions often went unrecognised by earlier governments. However, in the last decade, aligning with Prime Minister Modi's vision to honour the significant contributions of freedom fighters, the government, through numerous efforts, has been paying tribute to his velour. From celebrating his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas to renaming the island of Andaman and Nicobar after his name, the government is committed to propagating Netaji's ideas to inspire the Amrit Peedhi.
Attempts to Commemorate Netaji
The youth in India continue seeking inspiration in Netaji's life and work. Over the past ten years, the government has focused on ensuring that this motivation remains deeply embedded in our collective psyche. Several efforts have been undertaken to pay tribute to his legacy.
January 23 is the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, more commonly known as Parakram Diwas, which translates as "Day of Valour." This annual event is celebrated across the country by the Modi government to inspire the country's citizens, particularly the younger generation, to show courage in challenging circumstances like those that confronted Netaji and cultivate a strong sense of patriotism in them.
A museum inside the Red Fort dedicated to preserving and celebrating Bose's and the Indian National Army's (INA) heritage is another step towards realising Netaji's vision. Red Fort is highly significant to INA history. This museum, which Prime Minister Modi opened on Netaji's birthday in 2019, offers an in-depth account of Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA. It proudly displays an array of objects associated with Netaji and the INA, such as his famous wooden chair and sword, uniforms, badges, medals, and other things. When it comes to paying honor to Azad Hind Fauj's heritage, the above-mentioned efforts such as the dedicated museum in Redfort set the PM Modi government apart. No other government in the course of the history of independent India had accomplished this.
On December 30, 2018, PM Modi visited the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and underlined the INA and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's timeless values again. In honour of the 75th anniversary of Netaji's famous Tricolour raising on Indian soil, Prime Minister Modi issued a commemorative First Day Cover, coin, and postal stamp. He treasured the memories of the multitude of Andaman youth who reacted to Netaji's call by dedicating their lives to the freedom movement in India. An evocative reminder of the historic day in 1943, when Netaji hoisted the Tricolour, is provided by the imposing 150-foot mast carrying the flag. Ross Island was christened after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep as a homage to Netaji's past. In a momentous event, PM Modi virtually unveiled the plan for the proposed memorial to honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 2023. The planned site of this monumental memorial is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.
PM Modi spared no effort in paying tribute to Netaji's inspiring legacy. In a meeting with the Prime Minister in October 2015, the family of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose urged the declassification of government documents about Netaji. Concerning this request, PM Modi moved swiftly, making digital versions of 100 "Netaji Files" accessible to the public in January 2018 at the National Archives of India. This step in a way has made it easier for common public to know about Netaji’s life and vision. Furthermore, on October 21, 2018, the "Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar" award was announced to honour outstanding contributions and services provided in the field of disaster management by individuals and organisations throughout India.
In 2022, the government built a Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose statue at Kartvaya Path in tandem with the "Panch Pran." Standing 28 feet tall and crafted from jet-black granite, the magnificent monument is located beneath the Canopy adjacent to the India Gate. It is the exact location where PM Modi presented a hologram statue of Netaji on Parakram Diwas in 2022 to mark the 125th anniversary of Netaji's birth. The government displayed its unequivocal commitment to the second Panch Pran, or eradicating any remnant of the colonial mindset, by renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path and installing a statue of Netaji at the iconic India Gate.
In conclusion, Netaji's profound ideas will continue to enlighten India as it embarks on the Amrit Kaal. His dream of liberation still inspires every Indian. The magnificent legacy of Netaji is being honoured by the PM Modi-led government initiatives, which ensure that his values will remain relevant and motivate our Amirt Peedi to reach new heights.
