Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday virtually unveiled the model of a proposed memorial dedicated to  Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, to be set up in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,  and  also named 21 largest unnamed islands after Param Vir  Chakra awardees in a ceremony on the occasion of Parakram Diwas.

“Today Ross Island has become Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Havelock and Neil Islands have become Swaraj and Shaheed Islands”, said the Prime Minister.

Modi noted that the names, ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Shaheed’  were given by Netaji himself but no importance was given to them  even after Independence.  “When the Azad Hind Fauj Government completed 75 years, our Government reinstated these names.” he said.

Modi lamented the efforts of the previous Government in recognising the country’s potential due to decades of “inferiority complex.”

He said there was “lack of self-confidence”, especially due to “distorted ideological politics." “Whether it is our Himalayan States, especially the Northeast, or the oceanic island regions like Andaman and Nicobar, the development in such areas was neglected for decades as these were deemed remote, inaccessible and irrelevant areas”, Modi remarked.

On the occasion of Netaji's 126th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister also paid floral tributes to him in the Central Hall of the Parliament. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was also present on the occasion.

While unveiling the model to be dedicated to the ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ leader and addressing the gathering digitally, Modi  informed  the gathering that the naming ceremony of 21 islands from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also taking place today and they will now be recognised as the names of 21 ‘Param Vir Chakra awardees’.

He noted that the islands will be a source of inspiration for generations to come and said it will infuse feelings of patriotism among people.

The Prime Minister Said  “today is a historical day for Andaman and Nicobar Islands” .

“When history is being made, the future generations not just remember, assess and evaluate it, but also find constant inspiration from it.”

He said the foundation stone of a new memorial in honouring the life of  Bose is being laid at the island where he stayed, and remarked that this day will be remembered by future generations as a significant chapter in the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’.

Throwing light on the history of Andaman and Nicobar islands, the Prime Minister informed that the Tricolour was hoisted for the first time here and the first independent government of India was formed.

He further added that Veer Savarkar and many other heroes like him had touched the pinnacle of penance and sacrifice for the country on this very land.

He said, “The voices of that unprecedented passion along with immense pain are still heard from the cells of the Cellular Jail today.”

The Prime Minister lamented that the identity of Andaman was associated with the symbols of slavery instead of the memories of the freedom struggle and said, “Even the names of our islands had the imprint of slavery.”

The Prime Minister  also said that attempts were made to downplay Netaji's contribution to the freedom movement, but the entire country, right from Delhi and Bengal to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is paying tribute to the great hero today, preserving history and heritage associated with him.

He also pointed out that demands to make Netaji's files public were made by many for long, and his government has done that.

Netaji will be remembered for his fierce resistance to colonial rule, he said

"Today, it is a proud moment for me as I address the people of Andamans because this is the land where Subhas Chandra Bose unfurled the national flag for the first time in 1943," he said.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the countries which connected their imminent personalities and freedom fighters with the public in due time and, created and shared capable ideals, were  the ones that went far ahead in the race of development and nation-building and added  that  India  was  taking similar steps in the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’

Union Home Minister Amit Shah  also paid tributes to Bose on his birth anniversary and saluted his courage in fighting the British.

The Modi government is observing January 23 as 'Parakram Diwas' to commemorate Bose.

 "With his unique leadership ability, Netaji organised the people and launched an armed movement for freedom by forming 'Azad Hind Fauj'. The whole country salutes his courage and struggle.

Shah is in favour of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to take part in programmes on the occasion of 'Parakram Diwas.'