Agartala, Jan 23 (NationPress) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally provided the rightful recognition to the iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a recognition that had been overlooked for decades by prior administrations.

Speaking at a gathering commemorating the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Chief Minister noted that despite Netaji’s significant contributions to India’s struggle for independence, previous governments failed to honor him as he deserved.

“For the first time in 2022, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a grand 28-foot statue of Netaji at India Gate in New Delhi and proclaimed his birth anniversary as ‘Parakram Diwas’,” CM Saha stated during his address at Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan.

Reflecting on Netaji’s pivotal role in the independence movement, the Chief Minister portrayed him as a visionary leader whose beliefs and principles are still profoundly significant today.

He encouraged the youth to derive motivation from Netaji’s life and sacrifices, remarking that few leaders in India’s history have contributed as much to the nation.

Addressing Netaji’s ideological divergences with Mahatma Gandhi, CM Saha explained that Bose left the Indian National Congress to establish the Forward Bloc to enhance the fight against British oppression.

“From the outset, Netaji firmly supported Purna Swaraj (complete independence), a demand that the Congress later embraced during its Lahore session,” he added.

To mark this significant occasion, students from the 78-year-old government-aided Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan organized a vibrant and grand procession, continuing a tradition that has lasted decades.

The impressive rally celebrated patriotism and social consciousness through imaginative tableaux and performances.

Although established in 1948, this esteemed educational institution has been hosting such lively processions since 1951, the Chief Minister highlighted.

The striking procession illustrated themes such as the aspiration for a united India as envisioned by freedom fighters, India’s cultural diversity and unity, Hindu-Muslim harmony, water conservation, prevention of child marriage, empowerment of the girl child, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and advocacy for the rights of differently-abled children.

Hundreds of students, dressed in colorful outfits, participated in the procession that traversed the capital city. Several dignitaries paid floral tributes to Netaji during the event and encouraged the younger generation to emulate his values of courage, discipline, and selfless service to the nation.