‘Inspired Me Greatly’: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Subhas Chandra Bose, Recalls His ‘Fearless’ Leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 129th birth anniversary, observed as Parakram Diwas, recalling the freedom fighter’s courage, leadership and enduring influence on the nation.

In a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Modi said Netaji epitomised fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism, adding that his ideals continue to inspire generations to work towards building a strong and self-reliant India. Modi said Bose’s life and sacrifices remain a powerful source of motivation for him personally.

The Prime Minister recalled launching the e-Gram Vishwagram Yojana on January 23, 2009, calling it a pioneering initiative that helped transform Gujarat’s information technology landscape. He noted that the scheme was launched from Haripura, a place closely associated with Netaji’s life, and described the warm reception he received there as unforgettable.

“Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has always inspired me greatly. On 23rd January 2009, the e-Gram Vishwagram Yojana was launched. 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,” PM Modi wrote on X.

PM Modi also referred to a large event held in Ahmedabad in 2012 to mark Azad Hind Fauj Day, which was attended by several admirers of Netaji, including former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma.

The PM said that for decades, Netaji’s legacy did not align with the priorities of those in power, resulting in attempts to sideline his contributions. He asserted that his government has taken a different approach by consistently promoting Netaji’s life and ideals. A key step in this direction, he said, was the declassification of files related to Bose.

“Recalling the glorious contribution of Netaji Bose did not fit the agenda of those who ruled the nation for decades. Hence, efforts were made to forget him. But our belief is different. At every possible juncture, we have popularised his life and ideals. A landmark step was the declassification of files and documents relating to him,” he added.

Highlighting 2018 as a milestone year, the Prime Minister recalled marking the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind Government at the Red Fort, where he also hoisted the national flag. He described his interaction with Indian National Army veteran Lalti Ram as particularly memorable. He also noted that the Tricolour was unfurled in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to commemorate the anniversary of Netaji’s historic flag-hoisting there, and that several islands were renamed, including Ross Island, now called Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

PM Modi further said the Kranti Mandir museum at the Red Fort houses significant artefacts related to Netaji and the INA, underscoring efforts to preserve historical memory. He added that declaring Netaji’s birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas and installing his grand statue near India Gate reflect India’s resolve to honour Bose and shed a colonial mindset.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to Bose, remembering him as a towering figure of India’s freedom struggle.

“On Parakram Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I pay my humble tribute to a great leader of India’s freedom struggle. His call for independence awakened courage, self-confidence, unity and the spirit of nationalism among millions of Indians. Through the Azad Hind Fauj, he gave decisive leadership to India’s freedom movement and carried it to global stage. His legacy continues to inspire every Indian,” President Murmu tweeted.