Bhubaneswar, Jan 23 (NationPress) During the Parakram Diwas festivities at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum in Cuttack, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan called on citizens to embrace Netaji’s ideals of Courage, Unity, and Supreme Dedication to Nation-Building.

The celebrations at the museum commemorated the 129th birth anniversary of the eminent freedom fighter.

In his address, the Vice-President paid homage to Netaji, honoring him as a remarkable son of Bharat. He described his visit to Netaji's birthplace as profoundly enriching, noting that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose not only championed India’s freedom but also articulated a clear vision for the nation’s governance post-Independence. Radhakrishnan emphasized that Netaji aspired for India to be a robust, powerful, and poverty-free nation.

Recalling the stirring notes of “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”, the anthem of the Indian National Army, the Vice-President remarked that Netaji’s vision of a resilient and self-sufficient Bharat continues to motivate the nation. He encouraged citizens to unite in their commitment to achieve Viksit Bharat @2047, inspired by Netaji’s principles of courage, unity, and unwavering dedication to the homeland.

Vice-President Radhakrishnan noted that Odisha holds a unique place in India’s civilizational journey, where history, spirituality, and culture intertwine seamlessly.

He commended the Odisha Government for its dedicated efforts in tribal development, initiatives aimed at enhancing the living standards of tribal communities, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. Expressing his confidence in the State’s advancement, he stated that with continued effective governance, Odisha would rise as one of the leading States in the nation.

Referencing Odisha’s rich legacy of resistance throughout history, including during the freedom struggle, the Vice-President highlighted that this heritage resonated strongly with Netaji’s revolutionary journey. He emphasized that the land, which withstood invasions and preserved its identity, profoundly understood Netaji’s message that freedom is attained not through submission but through courage and unity. The recorded address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also broadcast during the event.

The Vice-President acknowledged that the Prime Minister had honored Netaji by commemorating his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas since 2021 and by renaming Ross Island to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.

He remarked that Parakram Diwas serves not only as a day to celebrate Netaji’s valor but also as a rallying call for every Indian to act courageously in the service of the nation.

Radhakrishnan reflected that Netaji’s life story was the first to ignite his own patriotic spirit, fostering a lifelong commitment to public service and national duty.

As part of the commemoration, the Vice-President inaugurated the INA Postal Stamp Gallery, an exhibition dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose organized by the Ministry of Culture, as well as the Netaji Sanskruti Bhawan.

The celebrations were attended by distinguished guests, including the Governor of Odisha, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati; the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi; and the Minister of Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj.