Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while attending the 127th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Netaji Chowk in Paltan Bazar locality of the city on January 23, commented that Netaji symbolises patriotism and nationalism of the highest order and his contributions towards the Nation’s freedom struggle were immense and incomparable.
Stating that Netaji’s contributions to the freedom movement were either consciously or subconsciously downplayed by a section of intellectuals and also contemporary historians, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been relentlessly trying to undo such historical wrongs through initiatives such as the installation of Netaji’s the 28-feet tall black-granite statue of near the India Gate in New Delhi.
Crediting the commander-in-chief of the Indian National Army (INA) for taking the issue of India’s demand for independence from colonial rule to areas far beyond the perimeters of the Indian subcontinent, Sarma asserted said Netaji’s indomitable spirit and aspirations to see his motherland become free again drove him to take up unimaginable, dangerous tasks and missions.
“The ideals of patriotism, nationalism and that of nation-first displayed by Netaji continue to inspire millions of Indians in dedicating their lives to the welfare of the nation,” said Sarma adding that Netaji also played an essential role in preserving the cultural and political hegemony of the indigenous communities of northeast India countering designs of altering the demography of the region by certain quarters with a vested interest.
Using the platform of Netaji’s birth anniversary celebration, Sarma appealed to Assam’s youths to imbibe Netaji’s ideals and work towards the process of nation-building. Netaji had immense faith in the capabilities of the youth in transforming the world and society, commented Sarma adding that the younger generation would definitely make the best use of their potential and abilities in their respective fields of expertise.
Organised by the All Assam Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Birthday Celebration Committee, the function was also attended by State ministers Pijush Hazarika, Ashok Singhal, Parliamentarian Pabitra Margherita, legislator Siddhartha Bhattacharjee, Guwahati mayor Mrigen Sarania, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council chief Tuliram Ronghang with a host of other prominent personalities.
At another function in the city, Padmashri Ajoy Dutta, along with journalists Nava Thakuria and Khagen Saikia released a book on Netaji in the presence of a distinguished audience. Penned by famous writer Jagadindra Raychoudhury and published by Asom Prakashan Bharati, it is prescribed as a reference book for the students of Vidya Bharati Schools in the Northeastern region.
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