Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Culture & DoNER, Government of India appreciated PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) for organising the First Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Lecture and said that the daring steps which Netaji took along with his ideology to free India, like the building of the Azaad Hind Fauj, are sure to inspire our Indian youth and instill the feeling of patriotism in them. He mentioned that the government, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking steps to preserve the legacy of Netaji through propagating his daring vision and ideologies. The government is particularly keen to revive the great and enduring legacy of Netaji and has undertaken many steps in this regard.
On 23rd January, 2022 the entire country celebrated the 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji to honor and remember Netaji’s selfless contribution to the nation and the Prime Minister has recognized this day as the Parakram Divas, to honour Netaji’s sacrifices, said the Hon’ble Minister. Every Bhartiya is indebted to Netaji’s sacrifice and to bring light to his contributions toward freeing India, the government has decided to declassify the files of Netaji and make them accessible to the citizens of India and of the globe. In 2019 the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the Kranti Mandir, a temple to provide tribute to all the freedom fighters, at the Red Fort Complex. On 26th January, 2022, Modi Ji inaugurated Netaji’s Hologram at the India Gate, which will soon be replaced by an inspirational granite statue to salute Netaji’s sacrifice and selfless efforts to an Independent India, added Shri Reddy.
The Minister urged each citizen to participate in Netaji’s 125th birthday celebration campaign initiated by the government under #Netaji125 which has been launched as a part of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahaotsav and to hoist the National flag in every house on the 75th year of our independence for supporting the government initiative of Har Ghar Tiranga, with a vision to revive the patriotism in every citizen of the country.
Smt Anita Bose Pfaff, Daughter of Netaji & Senior Economist reflected on the personality of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. She quoted that as each Indian fondly remembers Netaji, it is important for each Indian to recognize him as a determined and dedicated Indian who dedicated his life to free India from British rule. Like Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji too would have opposed communal violence and expected an inclusive socio- economic development of India. He had a strong belief in equality of all sorts including gender, which still remains a concern for Indian society, today. He also propagated the message of unity and harmony among the people for the progress of the nation, added Smt Anita Bose Pfaff.
Shri Pradeep Multani, President, PHDCCI, mentioned that India is already moving on the trajectory which will lead it further to the higher and sustained economic growth and that too, superlatively supported by equity and justice emanated through the grace of its remarkable democracy, positive attributes of federalism and success stories from across the country. While working for inclusive economic growth, we must also think about sustainability. Moving forward, we are trying our level best to keep India’s inclusive growth momentum on. In the process, we are very much open to engage with the industry fraternity across the world to carry forward the mission of creating “Shared Prosperity” following our national principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, added Shri Multani.
Shri Chandra Kumar Bose, Grandnephew of Netaji & Convener, The Open Platform for Netaji, recollected the memories and projected what Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose stood for through his presentation. He elaborated on the relevance of Subhash Chandra Bose in the 21st century as a Deathless Hero. Taking the distinction through the journey of life of Subhash Chandra Bose, Shri Chandra Bose mentioned that Netaji was a very spiritual person and was in a search of spiritual guru and was privileged to find one in Swami Vivekananda. He became his disciple and also enforced his teachings of character building in the Indian Army for freedom of their motherland, added Shri Chandra Kumar Bose.
Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) talked about the ideas and legacies of Netaji and said he felt proud to be acquainted to Netaji through both, his maternal and paternal side. Elaborating on the history of India and appreciating the real courage of the freedom fighters, all through the freedom struggle, Shri Sanyal mentioned that the demeanor and sacrifice of Netaji is one not to be forgotten for a lifetime of every Indian. As a peaceful country and one of the fastest growing economies of the world, India offers a great hope today and our concerted efforts will further vitalize its prominence in the World order, added Shri Sanyal.
Shri B K Sabharwal, Chair, Capital Market & Commodity Market Committee PHDCCI,while moderating the session cherished his journey to Odisha where he got the privilege of visiting school of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. He also mentioned that his speeches and leadership has left a physical impact on Indians, slogans like Jai Hind are an epitome of this. He was of the belief that not by agitation but by science, economic growth of the country can be driven. He was a great visionary.
Shri Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, mentioned that at PHDCCI we are much inspired to start a very important commutative lecture series, celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of our great freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and 75th year of our independence: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was indeed a big privilege for me to be here as we are commencing with the first lecture of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Memorial Lecture Series today at PHD House, New Delhi, said, Shri Saurabh Sanyal.
The program was organised in hybrid mode and witnessed well-attended participation both physically and virtually. Along with the program, an exhibition was also commenced to highlight the remarkable life and works of Netaji for nation-making. This shall be open for public viewing till 21st July 2022.