New Delhi: Under the cupola where the statue of British monarch King George V once stood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the hologram statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, on January 23. Inaugurating the hologram statue, PM said, “The role of our heroes, whose memories were being erased post-Independence… are now being revived.”
Taking a swipe at opposition, PM Modi said, “It is unfortunate that after Independence, along with the culture and rites of the country, work was done to erase the contribution of many great personalities.”
Then underscoring the point, he said, “The freedom struggle involved the penance of lakhs of countrymen. But efforts were made to limit their history as well. But today, after decades of independence, the country is correcting those mistakes”.
Netaji, one of the iconic freedom fighters, had won the Congress presidency in 1938. In his second presidential term, he quit the Congress after disagreements with Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and other key leaders over policy issues. He then formed the Azad Hind Fauj and pursued the path of armed revolution.
The controversy over Netaji’s death is a hugely emotive issue, especially in Bengal and many still believe that he did not die in a plane crash in 1945.
India is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose today as ‘Parakram Diwas’. Netaji was known for making inspirational speeches that roused the masses toiling under the British yoke from their deep slumber. Here are some popular and thought-provoking quotes from them.
“Give me blood and I will give you freedom!”
“Freedom is not given – it is taken.”
“It is only on the basis of undiluted nationalism and of perfect justice and impartiality that the Indian Army of Liberation can be built up.”
“No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.”
“Forget not that the grossest crime is to compromise with injustice and wrong. Remember the eternal law: you must give, if you want to get.”
“Men, money and material cannot by themselves bring victory or freedom. We must have the motive-power that will inspire us to brave deeds and heroic exploits.”
“The secret of political bargaining is to look more strong than what you really are.”
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