PM Modi Remembers Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Pays Tribute On Parakram Diwas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Parakram Diwas event in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through video conference on Friday. Addressing the event, he noted that January 23 marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, whose bravery continues to motivate Indians and arouse deep respect.

PM Modi said Parakram Diwas has emerged as a major celebration of national pride in recent years. Describing Netaji as a forward-thinking leader, he said Bose was not merely a freedom icon but a visionary who imagined a modern India rooted in its civilisational wisdom.

The Prime Minister said it is essential to introduce Netaji’s ideals to the youth. He highlighted initiatives such as a museum at the Red Fort, a statue near India Gate, tributes to the Indian National Army (INA) during Republic Day parades, and disaster management awards instituted in Netaji’s name as efforts to honour his legacy and inspire younger generations.

He said Netaji believed that a nation must be strong, as weakness hampers progress. “In this century, India is emerging as a determined power,” he said, citing Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s decisive response to threats.

PM Modi said defence self-reliance was advancing, with India moving from import dependence to growing exports, which have crossed Rs 23,000 crore. He also referred to indigenous missiles such as BrahMos gaining international recognition and said the armed forces were being strengthened through domestic capabilities.

Andaman Legacy And National Milestones

The Prime Minister said that with 1.4 billion people united, India was pursuing self-reliance through Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swadeshi principles. He also referred to a sequence of national dates from January 23 to 30, calling it a new tradition of honouring the spirit of the Republic.

Noting that the main Parakram Diwas celebrations in 2026 were being held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, PM Modi underlined the region’s legacy of heroism and sacrifice. He recalled freedom fighters enduring hardships in the Cellular Jail and highlighted the islands’ close association with Netaji.

PM Modi said the tricolour was raised on December 30, 1943, well before Independence, and recalled hoisting the flag at the same site in 2018.

He alleged that after Independence, the islands’ history was neglected due to political insecurities, adding that his government corrected this by renaming Port Blair as Vijaypuram and several islands after national heroes.

Among those present were Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (Retd.), INA Trust Chairman Brigadier (Retd.) R.S. Chikara, and freedom struggle veteran Lieutenant R Madhavan.

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