Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and delivered a speech on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 125th birth anniversary. His aircraft landed at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport around 3 pm, from where he took a helicopter for the city. While addressing people in Kolkata, PM Modi said the country has decided that from now the birth anniversary (January 23) of Netaji’s will be celebrated as Parakram Divas.
The PM inaugurated a commemorative stamp coin to mark Netaji’s 125th birth anniversary. He said Bose’s life, work and decision are an inspiration for the country. He remembered Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s vision and said the freedom fighter used to count poverty, illiteracy, disease, among the biggest problems in the country. These problems can be solved if society comes together, added PM Modi. PM said Netaji would have been proud to see India helping other nations by providing them Covid-19 vaccines.
PM Narendra Modi said from LAC to LOC, the world is witnessing the powerful avatar of India that was once envisioned by Netaji. Referring to border clashes, PM Modi said India today is giving a befitting reply wherever attempts are made to challenge its security and sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the Bengal Chief Minister refused to speak at the event after slogans of Jai Shri Ram were raised while she was delivering a speech. Cutting short her speech, Banerjee said don’t insult her after calling her in the event. This is not a political programme. She targeted the Modi government saying don’t insult someone after inviting them to a government programme.
Modi arrived in Kolkata on Saturday afternoon to take part in the 125th birth anniversary celebrations of Bose and honour the freedom fighter. His visit to the West Bengal capital comes at a time when the state will contest assembly elections in a few months.