Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 23: On the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew inspiration from the Azad Hind Fauj to call on the nation to unite for a “Vikshit Bharat.” The Prime Minister was addressing the Parakram Diwas celebration at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, Odisha, via video conference.
Beginning his address in Odia, PM Modi congratulated the people and the Government of Odisha for organizing the three-day celebration. “Today, as the entire country remembers Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with reverence, I pay my respectful homage to him. This year’s grand Parakram Diwas celebrations are being held at Netaji’s birthplace, and I extend my congratulations to the people and the Government of Odisha,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the various events being held during the celebrations, including a major exhibition in Cuttack focused on Netaji’s life. “The exhibition showcases many aspects of Netaji’s life, with preserved heritage items and artworks depicting scenes from his journey. Several books related to his life have also been collected,” PM Modi mentioned.
PM Modi reflected on Netaji’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle, stating that Netaji could have lived a comfortable life after clearing the civil services exam, but he chose to endure hardships for the sake of the nation’s independence. “Netaji’s life was one of sacrifice. He could have held a senior position under the British government, but he chose the path of struggle for the country’s freedom,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the youth, urging them to step outside their comfort zones to contribute to building a “Vikshit Bharat.” “We must aim for excellence and make India the best globally. To achieve a developed India, we need to challenge ourselves,” he emphasized.
Drawing a parallel with the Azad Hind Fauj, which brought together people from diverse backgrounds for India’s freedom, PM Modi called for national unity for the development and progress of the country. “Just as the Azad Hind Fauj was united for India’s freedom, we must now unite for a ‘Vikshit Bharat,'” he said. “They were united for Swaraj, and today we must unite for the progress of the nation.”
The Parakram Diwas 2025 celebrations, running from January 23 to January 25 at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, will honor Netaji’s legacy on his 128th birth anniversary. The event will feature a variety of activities, including a sculpture workshop, a painting competition, cultural performances, and screenings of films highlighting Netaji’s life and contributions to the nation.