Political row over Centre’s decision to celebrate Netaji’s birth anniversary as Parakram Diwas

The decision by the Union Ministry of Culture to celebrate January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as ‘Parakram Diwas’ has sparked a political row in West Bengal, with the Trinamool Congress and the All India Forward Bloc demanding that the day be noticed as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’ as an alternative.

The Ministry of Culture on Tuesday issued a notification stating that in “order to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation, Government of India has decided to celebrate his birthday on the 23 rd day of January every year as Parakram Diwas”.

Senior Trinamool chief Saugata Roy stated the announcement to observe the day as ‘Parakram Diwas’ (day of valour) was not sufficient. It must be celebrated as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’ (patriotism day), he stated.

“January 23 should be announced as a national holiday. It is our long-standing demand. As he was a national leader and head of the Azad Hind Fauj, these two aspects are not reflected through ‘Parakram Diwas’.”

“It appears to be a stunt keeping in mind the upcoming Assembly poll in the State, and not as a mark of respect to Netaji,” he stated.

Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Derek O’ Brien stated: “West Bengal government observes Subhas Utsav every year on 23rd January in honour of the great son of the soil. The State-level celebrations have been held at Darjeeling since 2014. Mamata Banerjee has been demanding that 23rd January be declared a national holiday in honour of Netaji.”

All India Forward Bloc State secretary Naren Chatterjee stated the social gathering has been demanding for years that Netaji’s Birth anniversary be declared as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’.

“The BJP leadership still does not realize the contribution of Netaji. That is why they cannot understand the difference between Parakram Diwas and Desh Prem Diwas,” he stated. The AIFB was based by Netaji.

The relations of Netaji additionally put their weight behind ‘Desh Prem Diwas’. “Netaji was India’s liberator. We welcome the announcement but people have been celebrating January 23 as ‘Desh Prem Diwas’. It would have been more appropriate, had the govt announced it as Desh Prem Diwas. But we’re happy about the announcement,” Netaji’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose stated.

Another grandnephew and Harvard historian Sugata Bose stated one shouldn’t overlook the beliefs of Netaji. He believed in unity and equality, and each Hindus and Muslims have been a part of the Azad Hind Army.

Meanwhile, hectic preparations are on for the one hundred and twenty fifth birth anniversary of Netaji in Kolkata, each by the State authorities and the Centre.

The State authorities is scheduled to maintain an enormous procession in Kolkata. The Union Ministry of Culture can be making preparations for a grand occasion at Victoria Memorial Hall. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to participate within the celebrations.

(With PTI inputs)