New Delhi, Dec 30 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid a poignant tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, marking the 82nd anniversary of the historic day when the legendary freedom fighter first hoisted the Indian tricolor on the soil of Port Blair in 1943.
In a statement shared on social media handle X, the Prime Minister emphasized that the event serves as a timeless reminder that true sovereignty is built on the foundations of collective action and national character.
“On this very day, December 30, 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had hoisted the tricolor with courage and valor in Port Blair,” PM Modi stated. “That moment reminds us that freedom is not shaped merely by aspiration, but by capability, hard work, justice, and organized resolve.”
Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian wisdom to reflect Netaji’s vision for a modern India, the Prime Minister shared a subhashita (epigram) that underscored the pillars of a strong nation:
“Capability is the root of freedom, labor is the root of prosperity. Justice is the root of good governance, unity is the root of great strength.”
The Prime Minister’s message highlights a central theme of his administration: the transition from “aspiration” to “capability,” suggesting that Netaji’s struggle was not just for the removal of colonial rule, but for the empowerment of the Indian people.
The event being commemorated took place during World War II, when Netaji, as the Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On December 30, 1943, he unfurled the national flag at the Gymkhana Ground (now Netaji Stadium) in Port Blair.
This act was of immense symbolic importance as it marked the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the first Indian territory to be liberated from British Raj. During this visit, Netaji famously renamed the islands ‘Shaheed’ (Martyr) and ‘Swaraj’ (Self-rule).
Under the current government, the legacy of the Azad Hind Fauj has been given renewed prominence. In recent years, the Prime Minister has:
Renamed Islands: In 2018, Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep.
Established Memorials: Inaugurated the Sankalp Smarak in Port Blair to honor the INA’s arrival and the sacrifice of soldiers.
Param Vir Chakra Tribute: In 2023, 21 unnamed islands in the archipelago were named after India’s Param Vir Chakra awardees, further linking the territory’s history with military valor.
The commemoration comes as the nation continues to celebrate Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor) annually on January 23, Netaji’s birth anniversary, reflecting the government’s ongoing effort to integrate the “forgotten” chapters of the freedom struggle into the mainstream national consciousness. . SKA .