Netaji’s legacy remembered on Parakram Diwas, leaders pay tribute across India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid rich tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary, remembering the legendary freedom fighter as a symbol of fearless leadership and unwavering patriotism. The day is observed across the country as Parakram Diwas .

In a series of posts on X, Modi said Netaji’s courage, resolve and unparalleled contribution to India’s freedom struggle continue to inspire generations to build a strong and self-reliant nation. He said Bose had always been a personal source of inspiration for him.

Recalling his association with Netaji’s legacy, Modi said he launched the e Gram Vishwagram Yojana on January 23, 2009, during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister, to honour Bose. The IT focused scheme was launched from Haripura , a place closely linked to Netaji’s life.

The prime minister also recalled a large public programme held in Ahmedabad in 2012 to mark Azad Hind Fauj Day , attended by several people inspired by Netaji, including former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma .

Modi said previous governments made attempts to forget Netaji’s contribution, but his government had worked at every opportunity to popularise his life and ideals. He highlighted the declassification of files related to Netaji Bose as a landmark step.

He said 2018 marked the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind government at the Red Fort and of Bose unfurling the tricolour in Srivijayapuram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During this period, Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep , and the Kranti Mandir museum at the Red Fort was developed to preserve INA history.

This year, the Ministry of Culture is organising Parakram Diwas 2026 to mark Netaji’s 129th birth anniversary, with cultural programmes, exhibitions and performances at key locations including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other places associated with his life.

Modi noted that Bose’s birth anniversary was officially declared as Parakram Diwas and recalled his visit to Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata in 2021. He said the installation of Netaji’s statue near India Gate reflects efforts to shed colonial mindset and honour him in the heart of the national capital.

President Droupadi Murmu also paid floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion. She said Netaji’s call for independence ignited courage, unity and nationalism among millions, and that his leadership of the Indian National Army took India’s freedom struggle to the global stage, with his ideals continuing to inspire the nation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the nation observes Parakram Diwas in memory of Netaji, calling his journey from Germany to Japan a reflection of his love for the country and his relentless quest for freedom.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid his respects, saying Netaji’s courage, resolve and leadership propelled the nation towards independence and continue to inspire every Indian.