Tributes paid to Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 126 th birth anniversary
Image courtesy Twitter @HCI_London
On the occasion of the 126 th birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Parakram Diwas, the High Commission of India in London hosted a special event on Monday, 23 January.
The event was marked by special tributes and a special diaspora portrait exhibition at the Indian High Commission in the capital, which brought many prominent community members and leaders together.
Several members of the British Bengali community were seen attending the event as a mark of respect and to pay their tributes to the revered figure of the Indian independence movement.
An exhibition featuring portraits of fighters and revolutionaries who fought for India’s independence from the British rule was set up featuring works of artists of Indian background from around the world. The exhibition was called ‘Sangram’ and was displayed by Heritage Bengal Global (HGB).
Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami said in his address, “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his many feats of military and political courage live on.”
He continued, “The museum in his memory in Calcutta is well worth visiting to see the courage, daring and enterprise that he displayed in escaping from custody in house arrest, his extraordinary journey through India, his efforts to mobilise an army including prisoners of war – all of this is the stuff of legend.”
Doraiswami also highlighted Netaji’s selflessness and love for his country as he chose to give up a life of luxury and privileges to fight for independence.
Image courtesy Twitter @HCI_London
He said, “His message essentially was to reject the idea that had been imposed upon us since 1857, that the people of our subcontinent were largely not a martial race, that Indians couldn’t actually fight…Netaji showed that was not true,” he said, highlighting his forward thinking reflected in the diverse makeup of the Indian National Army (INA) which also had a women’s wing.
“Netaji’s senior commanders represented all the faiths of India.” The event also featured patriotic music by the Bengal Heritage Foundation, and concluded with the Indian National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’.
This was followed by a lecture by journalist and historian, Dr Vijay Rana, who informed the audience about Netaji’s military campaign for India’s independence in detail.
Additionally, as part of the celebrations, Heritage Bengal Global also launched a diaspora- led petition calling for direct flights between London and Kolkata. It was formally announced at the organisation’s annual Saraswati Puja which took place in west London on Sunday.
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