Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday paid tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the Parakram Diwas celebrations held at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum in Cuttack, Odisha, marking the freedom fighter’s 129th birth anniversary.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described Netaji as a great son of Bharat whose contribution went far beyond the struggle for independence. He said that Netaji not only fought valiantly for India’s freedom but also had a clear and powerful vision for the country’s governance after independence, envisioning a strong, self-reliant and poverty-free nation.
Recalling the iconic INA marching song “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja”, the Vice-President said Netaji’s ideals of courage, unity and supreme dedication to the motherland continue to inspire the nation even today. He urged citizens to collectively work towards the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047, drawing strength from Netaji’s spirit of parakram (valour).
The Vice-President noted that Odisha holds a special place in India’s civilisational journey, where history, spirituality and culture converge. He praised the Odisha government for its focused efforts on tribal development, improvement in living standards of tribal communities and sustained infrastructure growth. With continued good governance, he said, Odisha has the potential to emerge as one of the leading states in the country.
Referring to Odisha’s long legacy of resistance and resilience, the Vice-President said this spirit found a powerful reflection in Netaji’s revolutionary path. He observed that the land which preserved its identity through centuries truly understood Netaji’s message that freedom is achieved through courage and unity, not submission.
During the event, a recorded address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast. The Vice-President noted that the Prime Minister had ensured due honour for Netaji by declaring his birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas since 2021 and renaming Ross Island as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. He said the Prime Minister’s leadership embodies the spirit of Parakram and reiterated that Parakram Diwas is not just a day of remembrance, but a call for every Indian to serve the nation boldly.
The Vice-President also shared a personal note, saying that Netaji’s life story was the first to ignite patriotic fervour in his heart and inspired his lifelong commitment to public service and national duty.
As part of the celebrations, the Vice-President inaugurated the INA Postal Stamp Gallery, an exhibition on Netaji organised by the Ministry of Culture, and the Netaji Sanskruti Bhawan. He appreciated the efforts of the Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, for honouring Netaji in a befitting manner. He said the museums and exhibitions would help younger generations understand the sacrifices and hardships endured by freedom fighters.
The Vice-President also felicitated freedom fighter Mayadhar Mallick, Wing Commander B. S. Singh Deo (Retd.), and honoured family members of Indian National Army veterans. A Special Cover on the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum was released on the occasion.
The event was attended by Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Odisha CM Majhi, state Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, and other distinguished guests.
