September 17, 2026 12:36 am (IST)
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India observes Netaji's birthday, PM pays tribute
Kolkata, Jan 23 (IBNS): India proudly remembered and celebrated the sacrifices made by country's nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose, who is more fondly and better known as 'Netaji' or 'Respected Leader', on his 118th birth anniversary on Friday.
Netaji's birthday anniversary is celebrated every year with great honour by government and non-government organisations, with West Bengal and the Bengali community leading in the field.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary.
"His bravery, courage and patriotic zeal inspire us. On his birth anniversary, I bow to the proud son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," he said.
"Subhas Babu's organisation and leadership skills were exceptional. He was a phenomenal personality, for whom good of the Nation was paramount," the PM said.
The day is also known as 'Desh Prem Diwas' and is observed as a holiday in West Bengal.
The day usually commences with flag hoisting ceremony in several localities and schools to pay tribute to the national leader.
In Kolkata, Netaji's birthday is commemorated with processions, youth conventions, seminars, sports, and other cultural activities.
Several schools across the city from north to south are spotted hosting processions on road in the morning, with students marching, singing and preaching the sacrifices of the freedom fighter.
Picnic spots across West Bengal are witnessed overcrowded with several peer groups resorting to take the advantage of this holiday.
Not limiting to schools only, people from different walks of life also hosted processions to commemorate the day.
Several localities across the city organises cultural shows with songs, quiz contests and skits based on his contribution to mark the day.
Innumerable marquees adorned with large photographs of Netaji are sported throughout the city.
Born in a Bengali Hindu, Kayastha family in Odisha, Netaji was one of the most prominent Indian nationalist leaders who attempted to gain India's independence from British rule by force during the waning years of World War II with the help of the Axis powers.
Bose, who had been ousted from the Indian National Congress in 1939 following differences with the more conservative high command, and subsequently placed under house arrest by the British, escaped from India in early 1941.
He turned to the Axis powers for help in gaining India's independence by force. With Japanese support, he organised the Indian National Army, composed largely of Indian soldiers of the British Indian army who had been captured in the Battle of Singapore by the Japanese.
His attempt was however short lived and it's still an unacceptable issue for the Indians especially the among the Bengali community, that no specific inquiry was made into Bose's mysterious disappearance or possible death.
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