VP Radhakrishnan attends Parakram Diwas celebrations in Kolkata

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 23 (ANI): Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Friday attended the Parakram Diwas celebrations at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata, West Bengal, commemorating the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that Parakram Diwas is not merely a tribute to Netaji, but a transmission of courage across generations. He recalled Netaji's conscious choice of sacrifice over comfort, including his refusal to accept a prestigious post in the Indian Civil Services and his decision to relinquish high office in pursuit of complete freedom for the nation, according to the Vice President's Secretariat release.
He noted that Netaji charted an alternative course in India's freedom movement by mobilising the Azad Hind Fauj and inspiring countless Indians to place honour above safety and freedom above fear.
The Vice-President also highlighted Netaji's deep connection with different regions of the country, including the South, and recalled the significant contribution of INA soldiers from several districts of Tamil Nadu. He said that Netaji's life and ideals continue to inspire the youth to rise above fear, take responsibility for the nation's future, and work towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat, in line with the vision articulated by the Prime Minister of India.
During the event, the Vice-President also launched the book "Dad Remembers Netaji", authored by CV Ananda Bose. He noted that personal recollections and writings such as these add a valuable human dimension to understanding Netaji's life and legacy, especially for younger generations.
The celebrations included cultural performances organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, reflecting Netaji's clarion call of "Jai Hind" and his enduring influence on India's national consciousness.
On the occasion, the Vice-President inaugurated a special exhibition featuring rare and significant memorabilia associated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The exhibits included Netaji's fountain pen, his educational certificate, and medals of the Indian National Army (INA), offering a vivid glimpse into the life, ideals and sacrifices of the legendary freedom fighter. The Vice-President described the memorabilia as silent witnesses to the courage, discipline and indomitable spirit that shaped India's freedom struggle, and noted that such artefacts carry not only historical value but also the pulse of an aspiring nation.
The event was attended by the Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose; the Director General, National Council of Science Museums, Arijit Dutta Choudhury; the Secretary, Victoria Memorial Hall, Anurag Kumar; the Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata, Sayan Bhattacharya, along with other dignitaries. (ANI)