On the 128th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt homage to the iconic leader, emphasizing his courage and vision. In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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, and his vision continues to motivate us as we work towards building the India he envisioned.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Netaji, calling him a symbol of “indomitable courage, determination, and fearlessness.” Shah further noted that Netaji’s formation of the Azad Hind Fauj and his armed struggle against British colonial rule made him an enduring inspiration for freedom fighters. “His life will always be remembered as an indelible symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and inspiration,” Shah added.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also honored Netaji’s legacy, describing him as a “great revolutionary” and “founder of the Azad Hind Fauj.” Gandhi acknowledged Netaji’s leadership, courage, and his efforts towards social justice and inclusion, saying, “Netaji’s leadership, courage, his struggle for social justice, and his contribution towards tolerance and inclusion continue to inspire every Indian today.”
In 2021, the Indian government officially designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas to mark Netaji’s birth anniversary. This year, the celebrations will span from January 23 to January 25, 2025, in Cuttack, the birthplace of Netaji. The three-day event will be inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on January 23, 2025.
The festivities aim to honor Netaji’s legacy and highlight his contributions to India’s freedom struggle. The first Parakram Diwas event in 2021 was held at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. In 2022, a hologram statue of Netaji was unveiled at India Gate in New Delhi, followed by the renaming of 21 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in 2023 in honor of Param Vir Chakra awardees. In 2024, the celebration took place at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, where the INA trials were held.
This year, the Parakram Diwas celebration is being organized by the Ministry of Culture at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, Odisha. The event will begin with the Chief Minister of Odisha and other dignitaries paying tribute to Netaji at his birthplace, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to him. The Prime Minister will also deliver a video message to mark the occasion.
The celebration will feature a Book, Photo, and Archival exhibition focusing on Netaji’s life, including rare photographs, letters, documents, and an AR/VR display chronicling his remarkable journey. Additionally, there will be a sculpture workshop, a painting competition-cum-workshop, and cultural performances celebrating Netaji’s legacy and the rich cultural tradition of Odisha. Films depicting Netaji’s life and contributions will also be screened.
Parakram Diwas continues to serve as a tribute to the great leader’s indomitable spirit, and this year’s celebrations will showcase his immense contributions to India’s independence, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
