Silchar pays homage to Netaji on his 116th birth anniversary
SILCHAR, Jan 23: Different social organizations of the town celebrated 116th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in a befitting manner here today. In the morning, Central Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee, Netaji Subhas Foundation and Netaji Youth Club took out colourful processions which moved through the main thoroughfares of the town, with thousands of people from all walks of life including teachers and students of around 35 schools marching, singing and preaching the sacrifice of the freedom fighter.
Students of various schools turned out in large numbers and took part in the march-past at Silchar DSA ground organized by Central Netaji Birthday Celebration Committee, which conducted different events throughout the year to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great leader. The chief-guest on the occasion Dr Brajogopal Roy, a Netaji researcher, took the salute of the march past and addressed the assembly of students, youths and people. He recalled the profound personality of Netaji, describing him as of indomitable spirit and soul who inspired by Swami Vivekananda from his early life dedicated himself to the service of man and the nation. At this critical juncture of the country, he called upon the youths to follow the ideals and philosophy of Netaji and work for the betterment of people in general.
Born in a Bengali Hindu family in Orissa, Netaji believed that Gandhiji’s non-violence would never be sufficient to bring about India’s independence, and advocated violent resistance. He established a separate political party, the All India Forward Block, and continued to call for the full and immediate independence of India from the British rule. He was imprisoned by the British authorities eleven times. His famous motto was: “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”.
The stance of Netaji did not change with the outbreak of the Second World War which he saw as an opportunity to take advantage of the British weakness. At the outset of the war, he left India, travelling to the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, seeking an alliance with each of them to attack the British government in India. With Imperial Japanese assistance, he re-organized and later led the Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army (INA) formed with Indian prisoners-of-war and plantation workers from British Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of Southeast Asia against British forces.
The social and political options of Netaji came to be appreciated by the people of India for his forthright assertion that without the military and diplomatic war against the British, freedom would not be possible. And it came out to be true as the historians and analysts admitted that without Netaji’s policy, freedom of the country would have been delayed. His untimely and mysterious death in a plane-crash at Taipei, it was believed, dealt a deadly blow to a different phase of political history in the Indian sub-continent.
Exactly at 12:41 pm, the birth time of Netaji, his statue at Rangirkhari traffic island was garlanded by the representatives of municipal board, development authority, DC establishment, DSA, Barak Upatakya Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan, Arya Sanskriti Bodhini, Lions Club, Rotary Club, business organizations, students of schools and colleges as well as various other social bodies. In the evening, 117 candles were lite up as a symbol of his birth celebration.
In order to mark the auspicious occasion, Netaji Subhas Foundation has also taken two day long programme which today began with flag hoisting followed by procession, floral tributes to his photograph, art competition and cultural events at Gandhi Bhawan auditorium. In the evening a discussion on the topic “Netaji, Swami Vivekananda and socialism” was held in which Dr. Brijagopal Roy, president, Netaji Subhas Foundation, Tripura, graced as the main speaker. Different other events including patriotic song and dance competitions will be held on January 25.
All India Democratic Students’ Organization (AIDSO) paid its homage to the brave son of the country, holding different events which included speech competitions, cultural shows here at Gandhi Bhawan yesterday. A film on Netaji was also screened on the occasion.
Source:
http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=146997&dtP=2013-01-23&ppr=1#146997
