West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the central government on Sunday to declare Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday as a national holiday.
In a series of tweets on the occasion of Netaji’s 125th birth anniversary, named ‘Parakram Diwas’, she wrote, “We again appeal to the Central Government that Netaji’s birthday be declared a National Holiday to allow the entire Nation to pay homage to the National Leader and celebrate #DeshNayakDibas in most befitting manner.”
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She paid her tribute to the freedom icon and said, “Homage to Deshnayak Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary. A national and global icon, Netaji’s rise from Bengal is unmatched in the annals of Indian history.”
“He is an epitome of patriotism, courage, leadership, unity and brotherhood. Netaji has been and will continue to be an inspiration for generation,” she tweeted further.
The Trinamool Congress leader also announced that the government of West Bengal will be taking some long-term initiatives to commemorate Netaji, among which would be setting up a 100% state-funded National University with international collaborations.
A Bengal Planning Commission will also be set up to help the state in its planning initiatives, inspired by Netaji’s thoughts on the National Planning Commission, Mamata said.
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“This year a tableau will be displayed on the Republic Day Parade on ‘Netaji’ and will also feature other eminent freedom fighters from Bengal to commemorate the 75th year of Independence of our country,” the Chief Minister informed on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on January 21 that Netaji’s statue will be installed at India Gate in Delhi as a symbol of the country’s indebtedness to him. He also said that until the granite statue is built, a hologram statue of the freedom icon would be put up at the spot.
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The government had also recently announced Republic Day celebrations in India will start from January 23 instead of January 24 this year, contrary to the typical practice, in order to include the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra. Earlier, the four day long celebrations would conclude on January 29, with the Beating Retreat Ceremony.
