Chandigarh, January 23 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on the 128th birth anniversary during the state-level program organized in Rohtak district on the occasion of Parakram Diwas.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Netaji is not just a name but the entire story of the country's independence. Therefore, the youth should draw inspiration from Netaji's life for serving the nation.
Sh. Manohar Lal said that India had been enslaved for centuries, first under the Mughals and then under the British. While discussions about independence were ongoing, people needed to be more confident that freedom would ever be achieved. Netaji not only ignited the flame of independence but instilled confidence in people that freedom could be attained, he said.
The Chief Minister said that during that time, two distinct groups were formed—one with a fiery spirit and the other with a softer approach, working with different ideologies for the country's independence. Initiating a movement was not easy, but Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Azad Hind Fauj and assembled a force of 50,000 people. It is fortunate that thousands of youth from the Haryana region have been recruited into the Azad Hind Fauj, he said.
Sh. Manohar Lal emphasized that both leaders, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, shook the foundations of the British government. He shared that January 22, 2024, has become an important day in the country's history, with the entire nation echoing the spirit of unity.
Referring to the recent Pran Pratishtha of Lord Rama in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister said that the entire country was painted ‘Ramaya’, with the name of Lord Rama inscribed in everyone's heart and mind. From the ‘Treta Yuga’ to the present era, numerous great personalities have been born, working to awaken society and instill values in people. Just as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar drafted our constitution, the Bhagavad Gita serves as a constitution for our way of life, much like the message Lord Krishna delivered on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
Prime Minister is dedicatedly working towards transformative changes and awakening society, CM
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi for bringing about systematic changes and working towards awakening society. He highlighted that the government's role is not just to construct basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals but also to contribute to the construction of society.
The Chief Minister also shared the efforts of the state government in the last nine years to eliminate crime, corruption, and caste-based politics, aiming to bring harmony to society.
In Haryana today, 3 soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj were honored, CM
The Chief Minister shared that the Azad Hind Fauj was formed in 1942, and even after more than 80 years have passed, three soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj namely Hari Singh (105), resident of village Burthala, Rewari, Mangal Singh (102), a resident of Kosli Rewari district, and Jai Prakash (98), a resident of village Mandi in Mahendragarh district are still alive.
He said that the Deputy Commissioners were directed to honor these soldiers as this would be a true tribute from the Government's side to the Neta Ji. He said that these freedom fighters can be considered a symbol of respect for the younger generation, and the youth should draw inspiration from them.
The Prime Minister initiated the celebration of Netaji's birthday as Parakram Diwas, CM
The Chief Minister shared that Netaji was not just an individual or a leader; he was an embodiment of valour. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi took various steps to commemorate Subhas Chandra Bose's memory, decided to conduct the full-dress rehearsal for Republic Day on January 23 instead of January 24 and declared Netaji's birthday as Parakram Diwas on January 23. Additionally, a statue of Netaji was unveiled at India Gate, informed Sh. Manohar Lal.
He said that geographically Haryana constitutes only 2 percent of the country's population, but the contribution of Haryana's youth in the country's armed forces is 10-11 percent, demonstrating that the spirit of serving the nation still exists among our youth. He acknowledged the special contribution of the youth from Rohtak and South Haryana in the armed forces, saluting all those soldiers. He emphasized that the country is free today, and for its progress, the youth must work with hard work, dedication, and honesty.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for everyone to work diligently, become dedicated, progress with honesty, and engage in social service. The government has established Skill University to make the youth skilled so that they can become self-reliant. He said that even economically disadvantaged individuals have the right to the country's resources, and the state government is working towards the development and welfare of all sections of society.
The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing efforts in various sectors, focusing on education, health, security, self-reliance, self-esteem, good governance, and service to uplift the underprivileged. He stated that the state has worked for the welfare of society with the spirit of ‘Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek’.
Before this, the Chief Minister paid respects to the Gufa Mandir, Model Town Rohtak and extended good wishes to the residents of the state. Following this, he offered floral tributes at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose located at the local Subhash Chowk.
Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP, Sh. Ram Chander Jangra, former Minister, Sh. Manish Grover and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.