The Significance of Parakram Diwas

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is a well-recognized name when the discussion of the Indian freedom movement crops up. This is the story of his life and how it came to be commemorated in the form of Parakram Diwas.

Parakram Diwas; Source: CivilHindiPedia

On the 23rd of January every year, the entire nation of India commemorates Parakram Diwas or Netaji Jayanti. The phrase Parakram Diwas literally translates to 'Courage Day'. The name was not randomly bestowed upon this calendar day. There is a legacy that lies beyond this event.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha in British India. The parents Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Dutt rejoiced at the birth of their son. Who would have known that the child's birth would go on to become a day that would be celebrated by the whole nation?

In his adulthood, Bose was sent off abroad to gain education but his Indian roots were sunk in too deep for him to stay away. He eventually returned to Bombay and had an interview with Mahatma Gandhi. He then became a part of nationalist politics and got involved in the national freedom movement.

The seemingly normal boy from the streets of Odisha became one of the most prominent national leaders of the freedom struggle. Bose was a prominent leader of the youth wing of the Indian National Congress. After serving as the President of the party from 1938 to 1939, he had a falling out with the other forerunners of the group.

With the help of Germans, Bose ran the 'Free India Radio' and spoke to inspire people to become a part of the national struggle. He travelled through several nations to find a way to take the cause of freeing India to the international platform. He was the founder of the Indian National Army of the Azad Hind Fauj.

The contributions of Bose to the cause of Indian independence are simply too many to count. He was adamant on finding people across the world to take up and support the cause of Azad Hind. He was the global face of the movement and was recognized as the international spokesperson for the same.

A lot of controversy surrounds his death but it was especially important that the circumstances of his demise do not overshadow the work he had done for the people. The day was officially recognized as a national event when the Forward Block and Netaji's family members demanded that the Government of India officially validate the importance of the occasion. The government conceded to the demand and encouraged the youth of the nation to derive inspiration from the valour and fortitude of Netaji by celebrating this day annually.

On the 125th Netaji Jayanti, a big celebration was held at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata. The Indian Prime Minister graced the event. International seminars were held at the Hall. Coins and stamps were also released to commemorate the day. Subsequently, the government approved several proposals to pay regards to Bose, including the establishment of a memorial for Netaji and the martyrs of the INA at the Red Fort, in the form of a granite statue.

The day is now to be annually recognized across the country with events held exclusively to remind the people of the country about the contributions of Netaji in gaining independence for the country.