To honour the unwavering spirit and selfless service of one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Government of India has declared his birthday, January 23, as Parakram Diwas. This decision was made to pay tribute to the immense courage and determination of Netaji, who dedicated his entire life to the cause of India’s independence.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, fondly known as ‘Netaji’, was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in the freedom struggle. He was a true patriot who believed in the power of action and never shied away from taking bold and daring steps to achieve his goal of freeing India from the clutches of British rule.
Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha, Netaji was a brilliant student and a natural leader from a young age. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, and their ideologies of selfless service and non-violent resistance. However, Netaji’s approach towards achieving independence was different from that of Gandhi’s. He believed in using force and armed struggle to overthrow the British rule and establish a free and independent India.
Netaji’s unwavering spirit and determination were evident in his actions. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942, with the support of the Japanese, and led it to fight against the British in the Second World War. His famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” inspired thousands of Indians to join the INA and fight for their country’s independence.
Netaji’s contribution to the freedom struggle was immense, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. His daring escape from house arrest in Calcutta in 1941 and his subsequent journey to Germany and Japan to seek help for India’s independence is a testament to his unwavering spirit and determination.
In 1945, Netaji’s plane crashed in Taiwan, and his death remains a mystery to this day. However, his legacy and his selfless service to the nation continue to live on. Netaji’s birthday, January 23, is not just a day to remember his birth, but also a day to celebrate his life and his contribution to the nation.
The decision to declare January 23 as Parakram Diwas is a fitting tribute to Netaji’s courage, bravery, and selfless service. The word ‘Parakram’ means courage, and it perfectly encapsulates Netaji’s fearless and daring approach towards achieving India’s independence. This day is a reminder to all Indians of the sacrifices made by Netaji and other freedom fighters to secure our freedom and the importance of valuing and preserving it.
Parakram Diwas is not just a one-day celebration; it is a call to action for all Indians to uphold the values of courage, determination, and selfless service that Netaji stood for. It is a day to remember and honour all the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom and sacrificed their lives for the nation.
On this day, the government organizes various events and programs to pay tribute to Netaji and his contributions. Special ceremonies are held at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, and the Prime Minister and other political leaders pay their respects to Netaji at his statue in the Red Fort, Delhi.
Parakram Diwas is also a day to reflect on Netaji’s vision for a free and independent India and to work towards fulfilling his dream. It is a day to remember that the freedom we enjoy today is a result of the sacrifices made by our brave leaders and to renew our commitment to building a better and stronger nation.
In conclusion, the declaration of January 23 as Parakram Diwas is a befitting tribute to Netaji’s courage, determination, and selfless service to the nation. It is a day to remember and honour his legacy and to draw inspiration from his unwavering spirit to work towards a better and brighter future for India. Let us all come together on this day to pay our respects to Netaji and to celebrate the spirit of courage and selfless service that he embodied. Jai Hind!
