India to observe Republic Day celebrations from January 23, Netaji‘s birthday to be included.
From the year 2022, India will observe Republic Day Celebrations every year from January 23 instead of January 24 to include the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, government sources said.
Reason behind the decision of Republic Day celebrations:
Sources say that this decision was taken by the Government in order to focus on celebrating/commemorating important aspects of our history and culture.
Previously, the Centre started the celebration of Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas.
The day is observed to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation. Besides, the day is observed to inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did, and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour.
Chandra Kumar Bose’s statement:
While speaking to India Today, Chandra Kumar Bose, the grand nephew of Netaji Bose, told, “The people of India appreciate the efforts made by the NDA under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji. But what is more important in today’s India, and I have written in this regard to PM Modi, is that we must implement Netaji’s inclusive ideology. He was the only leader who could unite the people irrespective of their religion as ‘Bharaiyas’.”
He also added that unless Netaji’s inclusive ideology is implemented, India would break up again. “We have already seen the partition of India and Bengal. If Netaji had returned to India, there would have been no partition. But India is breaking up again. Divise politics must stop. We must have communal harmony,” he said.
“The real tribute to Netaji would be to imbibe his ideology, fight against divisive politics, and ensure communal harmony. Netaji envisioned a nation united. He never wanted any discrimination based on caste, creed and religion,” Bose further added.
In his letter to PM Modi Chandra Bose asserted that Netaji’s statue should be built in front of India Gate, construct an INA memorial at the Red Fort, among other demands.
Other dates marked by the Centre:
Besides, the Centre has marked several dates to commemorate their historical and cultural importance over the years. Some of these dates include, August 14 – Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, October 31 Ekta Diwas National Unity Day (Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel), November 15 Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s Birthday), December 26 Veer Baal Divas (tribute to 4 Sahibzadas).
A Government source said, “This is in line with Narendra Modi government’s focus on celebrating/commemorating important aspects of our history and culture.”
About Subhas Chandra Bose:
Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was born in Cuttack, Odisha, on 23 January 1987. He was one of the most important figures in India’s struggle for independence. Netaji was also behind the revival of the Indian National Army or the Azad Hind Fauj.
