Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose embodies indomitable courage. Even after 100 years since his birth, his name remains at the forefront of discussions about freedom struggles and patriotism, stated Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi during the celebration of Parakram Diwas in his birthplace, Cuttack, today.
At a programme held at Satyabrat Stadium near Barabati Fort to commemorate the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Chief Minister emphasised that Netaji’s bravery and military strategy against British rule were pivotal to India’s independence. Recognising this heroic leader’s contributions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas on January 19, 2021, to honour Netaji’s birth anniversary. Celebrating his birth in his native Odisha is a matter of great pride, added the Chief Minister, noting that even the British acknowledged that without Netaji’s armed struggle, their rule in India might have persisted for several more years.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Prime Minister’s 2018 decision to rename Ross Island as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island as a tribute to his valor.
Further, the Chief Minister highlighted that today, the entire nation takes pride in Cuttack, Netaji’s birthplace. He was born in Odia Bazaar, Cuttack, where he spent his childhood. As a brilliant student of Ravenshaw Collegiate School, it was here that the seeds of rebellion against British rule were sown in Netaji’s heart.
ଭାରତୀୟ ସ୍ଵାଧୀନତା ସଂଗ୍ରାମର ମହାନାୟକ ନେତାଜୀ ସୁଭାଷ ଚନ୍ଦ୍ର ବୋଷଙ୍କ ୧୨୮ତମ ଜୟନ୍ତୀ ଅବସରରେ କଟକ ଠାରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ରାଜ୍ୟସ୍ତରୀୟ 'ପରାକ୍ରମ ଦିବସ' କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ଯୋଗଦେଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ତିନି ଦିବସୀୟ 'ପରାକ୍ରମ ଉତ୍ସବ'ର ଶୁଭ ଉଦଘାଟନ କରାଯାଇଛି। ଉତ୍କଳ ମାଟିର ବରପୁତ୍ରଙ୍କ ଶୌର୍ଯ୍ୟ, ତ୍ୟାଗ ଏବଂ ସାମର୍ଥ୍ୟକୁ ସମ୍ମାନ ଜଣାଇ ତାଙ୍କର… pic.twitter.com/IJoUH1GwW9
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) January 23, 2025
He noted that Netaji is a hero of Indian history whose life and struggles fill readers with both inspiration and tears of emotion. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose left a profound impact on both national and international levels. His commitment to a free India, his vision, and his fearless leadership continue to inspire everyone. Future generations need to be made aware of Netaji’s life and his connection to Cuttack, with the youth encouraged to learn in-depth about this patriot and freedom fighter, he added.
At the event, Chief Minister Majhi honoured INA veteran Lieutenant R. Madhavan Pillai on stage for his contributions.
This programme, organised jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Odisha government, featured a video message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Ministry of Culture also hosted a photo exhibition on Netaji’s life at Satyabrat Stadium.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development and Tourism Prabhati Parida, Minister of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, former Union Minister KP Singh Deo, and Union Secretary of Culture Aruni Chawla, among others.
INA Trust Chairman Brigadier R.S. Chikara delivered the welcome address, and the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India gave the vote of thanks.
Upon arriving in Cuttack, the Chief Minister first visited Netaji’s birthplace at Odia Bazaar and paid floral tributes at his statue. He also toured an art exhibition organised by the state’s Department of Culture.
