India marked ‘Parakram Diwas’ to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading tributes.

Netaji’s grandnephew, Chittapriyo Bose, shared his perspective on PM Modi’s efforts to honor Bose’s legacy. In a video message, he spoke about multiple interactions with the Prime Minister and steps taken, including the declassification of files related to Netaji’s life and disappearance.

Bose detailed various initiatives implemented during PM Modi’s tenure. These included renaming Ross Island as ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep,’ installing a statue at India Gate, and establishing the INA Museum at the Red Fort. The declaration of Netaji’s birth anniversary as ‘Parakram Diwas’ was also acknowledged as a significant decision.

Chittapriyo Bose credited PM Modi for expediting the declassification of documents related to Netaji’s disappearance, a matter unresolved for decades. He recounted a meeting in 2014 at Kolkata’s Raj Bhavan with PM Modi, where the family requested an inquiry into Netaji’s disappearance post-August 18, 1945. Following this meeting, a larger delegation of 50 members, including family and eminent citizens, presented their views in Delhi.

He said that PM Modi instructed then-External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to initiate the declassification process, which included a request to Russia for relevant files.

Chittapriyo Bose highlighted other milestones, including the establishment of a dedicated wing in the National Archives showcasing declassified files and a grand celebration of Netaji’s 125th birth anniversary at Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial. Commemorative coins and stamps were released during the event.

– IANS