Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 128th birth anniversary on Thursday.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Today, on Parakram Diwas, I pay homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His contribution to India's freedom movement is unparalleled. He epitomised courage and grit. His vision continues to motivate us as we work towards building the India he envisioned."
Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered Netaji with reverence, stating, "On the birth anniversary of the great leader of the freedom struggle, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, I remember him and pay my tribute to him and wish all the countrymen a happy 'Parakram Diwas'. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was a reflection of indomitable courage, determination and fearlessness. Netaji, who shook the foundations of the British Empire by forming the Azad Hind Fauj and fighting an armed struggle, became an ideal for freedom fighters. His life will always be remembered as an indelible symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and inspiration."
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also paid his respects, saying, "Heartfelt tribute to the great revolutionary, founder of Azad Hind Fauj, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. Netaji's leadership, courage, his struggle for social justice, his contribution towards tolerance and inclusion continue to inspire every Indian even today. My respectful salute to the immortal son of Mother India, Jai Hind!"
The Central Government declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji. This year, the 128th anniversary of Netaji is being marked with a grand three-day celebration from January 23 to January 25, 2025, at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, Odisha, Netaji's birthplace.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated on January 23 by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The celebrations began with tributes and the hoisting of the National Flag at Netaji’s birthplace, now a museum dedicated to his life.
The Barabati Fort festivities include a video address by the Prime Minister, along with a Book, Photo, and Archival Exhibition featuring rare documents, photographs, and letters connected to Netaji’s life. The exhibition also includes an AR/VR experience chronicling his remarkable journey. A sculpture workshop, a painting competition, cultural performances, and screenings of films on Netaji’s life are part of the event lineup, highlighting both his legacy and Odisha’s cultural richness.
Since the designation of Parakram Diwas, several significant initiatives have been undertaken to honor Netaji. In 2021, the first Parakram Diwas was celebrated at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. In 2022, a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled at India Gate in New Delhi. In 2023, 21 unnamed islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees. In 2024, the celebrations were held at Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister inaugurated the event at the site of the historic INA trials.
This year’s event at Cuttack continues the tradition, offering a comprehensive tribute to the revolutionary leader whose legacy remains a source of inspiration for India.