Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that a statue of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose will be installed at India Gate in Delhi as a symbol of the country’s indebtedness to him.

In a series of tweets, the PM paid his tribute to Netaji on the latter’s birth anniversary. He also said that until the granite statue is built, a hologram statue of the freedom icon would be put up at the spot. 

“At a time when the entire nation is marking the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, I am glad to share that his grand statue, made of granite, will be installed at India Gate. This would be a symbol of India’s indebtedness to him,” PM Modi wrote.

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“Till the grand statue of Netaji Bose is completed, a hologram statue of his would be present at the same place. I will unveil the hologram statue on 23rd January, Netaji’s birth anniversary,” he added.

Remembering Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution to the country, PM Modi wrote, “May the thoughts and ideals of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose keep inspiring us to work towards building an India that he would be proud of…a strong, confident and self-reliant India, whose human-centric approach contributes to a better planet in the years to come.”

Also Read: Republic Day celebrations from January 23 to include Netaji’s birthday

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.   

“This is in line with the Narendra Modi government’s focus on commemorating important aspects of India’s history and culture”, government sources said.

Netaji’s birthday would be celebrated as ‘Parakram Divas’, the government had declared.

The announcement of Netaji’s statue comes on the day when the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame will be put out and merged with the National War Memorial flame, a move that has sparked massive debate between the government and the opposition.