Parakram Diwas is not merely a remembrance of Netaji’s valour but a clarion call for every Indian to serve the nation boldly

CUTTACK: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday said Parakram Diwas should inspire every Indian to act boldly in the service of the nation, drawing strength from the ideals of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He was addressing the Parakram Diwas celebrations at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum in Cuttack, marking the 129th birth anniversary of the freedom fighter.

Paying tributes to Netaji, the Vice-President said his visit to the birthplace was deeply enriching and recalled that Netaji not only fought for India’s freedom but also articulated a clear vision for governance after independence. He said Netaji envisioned India as a strong, powerful and poverty-free nation.

Referring to the marching song of the Indian National Army, Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja, the Vice-President urged citizens to march collectively towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047. He called upon people to follow Netaji’s ideals of courage, unity and supreme dedication to nation-building, describing them as enduring pillars of India’s progress.

Highlighting Odisha’s place in India’s civilisational journey, the Vice-President said the State represented a unique confluence of history, spirituality and culture. He appreciated the Odisha government’s focused efforts towards tribal development, initiatives to improve living standards in tribal areas, and sustained infrastructure growth. With continued good governance, he said, Odisha was well placed to emerge as one of the country’s leading states.

The Vice-President said Odisha’s long legacy of resistance, from ancient times through the freedom struggle, resonated strongly with Netaji’s revolutionary path. He noted that the State’s history of preserving its identity echoed Netaji’s message that freedom is achieved through courage and unity, not submission.

During the programme, a recorded address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast. The Vice-President said the Prime Minister had accorded due honour to Netaji by observing his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas since 2021 and by renaming Ross Island as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. He said the Prime Minister’s leadership reflected the true spirit of parakram, adding that Parakram Diwas was a call to action, not just remembrance. He also recalled that Netaji’s life story was the first to ignite patriotic fervour in his own heart.

As part of the celebrations, the Vice-President inaugurated the INA Postal Stamp Gallery, an exhibition on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose organised by the Ministry of Culture, and the Netaji Sanskruti Bhawan. He appreciated the efforts of the Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, for commemorating Netaji in a befitting manner, saying the initiatives would help younger generations understand the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

The Vice-President felicitated freedom fighter Mayadhar Mallick and Wing Commander B. S. Singh Deo (Retd.), and honoured family members of INA veterans. A Special Cover on the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum was also released.

The event was attended by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha Minister of Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Cuttack Member of Parliament Bhartruhari Mahtab, and other dignitaries.