President, PM pays tributes to Netaji on birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid glowing tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, saying he epitomised fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism.

President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, at RashtrapatiBhavan.

In a series of posts on social media, Modi also listed out steps taken by his government to popularise Bose’s ideals and slammed efforts by previous Governments to forget his contribution to the nation.

“On the birth anniversary of NetajiSubhas Chandra Bose, which is commemorated as ParakramDiwas, we recall his indomitable courage, resolve and unparalleled contribution to the nation. He epitomised fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism. His ideals continue to inspire generations to build a strong India,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister said Bose has always inspired him greatly, and he launched the e-Gram Vishwagram Yojana as the chief minister of Gujarat on January 23, 2009, to honour him.

“This was a pioneering scheme aimed at transforming Gujarat’s IT landscape. The scheme was launched from Haripura, which had a special place in Netaji Bose’s life. I will never forget the manner in which the people of Haripura welcomed me and organised a procession on the same road where Netaji Bose had travelled,” he said.

Modi said in 2012, a big programme was organised in Ahmedabad to mark the Azad Hind Fauj Day, which was attended by people inspired by Bose, including former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma. Recalling Bose’s glorious contribution, however, did not “fit the agenda of those who ruled the nation for decades”, the prime minister said. “Hence, efforts were made to forget him. But our beliefs are different. At every possible juncture, we have popularised his life and ideals,” he said. Modi said a “landmark step” was the declassification of files and documents relating to him.

In another post, he said 2018 was a landmark year for two reasons: celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Azad Hind Government at the Red Fort, where he said he had a memorable interaction with INA Veteran Lalti Ram, and observing the 75th anniversary of Bose unfurling the tricolour in Srivijayapuram (then Port Blair) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.