ANDAMAN: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on December 30, hoisted the Tricolour and inaugurated the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Flag Point at JDA Park, Ram Vihar in Jammu to mark the 82nd anniversary of the hoisting of the Tricolour on Indian soil by Netaji in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On December 30, 1943, Netaji declared Port Blair free from British rule, and gave all countrymen the resolve for Independence. Today’s initiative aims to commemorate Netaji’s glorious contribution to the freedom struggle.
Paying tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the LG highlighted that the “Jai Hind” slogan given by Netaji remains a symbol of national valour that once united the Azad Hind Fauj and continues to inspire 140 Crore Indians till date. Jai Hind is a salutation most often used by people of the armed forces, all ranks, without any exception, and it resonates with all. “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s patriotism was unparalleled. His extraordinary valour provided India with a vital mantra: the future can only be built on the foundation of unity. He believed that a society fragmented by divisions could never construct a lasting future. Netaji’s advocacy for Swaraj, his efforts for empowerment of youth and women, his economic policy and emphasis on industrialisation and promotion of small-scale industries played a crucial role in building the foundation of a self-reliant India today,” Mr Sinha said.
The LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring that Netaji’s legacy received its rightful place in history. It needs to be mentioned here that Mr Modi’s predecessors had not given him the rightful recognition he richly deserved in the pantheon of national figures. The same was the case of Sardar Patel, the first Home Minister of the country after it attained independence in August 1947. However, under Mr Modi’s leadership, the tall brass statue of Sardar Patel installed at Kevadia in Gujarat (near Ahmedabad) has become a major attraction for nationalists from across the country.
Sinha stated that Jammu is a symbol of India’s national unity and an unbroken cultural stream. He noted that the indomitable spirit of the people of Jammu had kept the flame of complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir burning through several generations. The Jammu region, in sharp contrast to the Kashmir Valley, where National Conference leader Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah commanded the allegiance of the people, stood up to him and opposed him tooth and nail. A vast majority of people of all walks of life in the Jammu region opposed the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India and made sacrifices to get it removed.
“Our unity is the strength and crucial for success. We must remain one and preserve our shared heritage and shared values,” Sinha said. He appreciated the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JDA), Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Housing & Urban Development Department and the district administration for their collaborative endeavour to honour Netaji’s legacy. He also called for holding regular commemorative events on December 30th every year.
On the occasion, Sinha visited the photo gallery depicting the life history of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A documentary showcasing Netaji’s leadership and his pivotal role in India’s independence was screened.
Sham Lal Sharma and Arvind Gupta, Members of Legislative Assembly; Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu Zone; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr Devansh Yadav, Municipal Commissioner Jammu; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Rupesh Kumar, Vice Chairman JDA and senior officials of civil and police administration were present. Padma Shri Professor Vishwamurti Shastri; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma, prominent citizens and people from different walks of life also attended the ceremony.
