Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that Netaji’s thoughts and patriotic sentiments are very important even today.

He said that the youth should come forward to build a prosperous country by following Netaji’s ideals. The youth should be inspired by the ideology of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and work for the country and the state.

Dr. Saha said this while inaugurating the 129th birth anniversary celebration of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, organized at the Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan ground in Agartala today.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Dr. Saha said that today is a special day for us.

“Today, programs based on many themes have been organized here. When they are paraded on the streets, everyone will enjoy them, and through this, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose will be truly paid tribute. We all know that on this day, i.e., January 23, 1897, he was born in Cuttack, Odisha. He studied at Presidency College and was a brilliant student. Later, he completed his graduation from Scottish Church College in 1919. His father sent him to the University of Cambridge for the Indian Civil Service. He stood 4th there, but he did not accept the job. Instead, he devoted himself to the service of the motherland,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan was established in 1948, but the procession started in 1951.

“Today is the day for us to remember the legendary leader of the freedom struggle. He has a place in the heart of every Indian. His picture is displayed in every house. He is an eternally memorable figure of the freedom struggle and a bright and great character. When it comes to protesting injustice, the first person who comes to mind is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. There is much to say about his death, but still, he will be remembered forever by us. He demanded complete independence of India from British rule. He was imprisoned several times, although he could not be kept in jail,” said Dr. Saha.

In the discussion, the Chief Minister said that after the declaration of World War II, Netaji’s ideology did not change at all.

“In order to achieve India’s independence, he went to the Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan and formed the Azad Hind Fauj with prisoners of war. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose wanted complete independence of India. He said, ‘You give me blood, and I will give you freedom.’ This famous saying of Netaji is equally relevant today. Another famous saying he made was ‘Chalo Dilli.’ Through these words, he inspired the Azad Hind Fauj. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gives such words or slogans that inspire us. Poet Rabindranath Tagore called Subhas Chandra Bose ‘Deshnayak’,” he said.

He said that inspired by Netaji’s ideology, the youth should work for the country and the state with patriotic thoughts.

“If they see any injustice, they should jump in. Subhas Chandra Bose said that no one gives freedom; it has to be earned. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given true respect to Netaji, which no leader or government had given before. Netaji’s thoughts and patriotism are very important even today. The youth should move forward to build a prosperous country by following Netaji’s ideals,” said Dr. Saha.