Netaji Jayanti: Celebrating the Legacy of a Fearless Freedom Fighter

On January 23 each year, the nation celebrates the birthday of one of its bravest sons, Subhash Chandra Bose. Addressed fondly as Netaji, his birthday is celebrated as Netaji Jayanti every year to commemorate and honour one of India’s greatest freedom fighters who was born in 1897 on this day in Cuttack. It is a celebration of the birthday of India’s famous revolutionary and visionary freedom fighter who fought throughout his life for the country’s independence and honour of his ideals, even going against the most powerful political party of his time.

Netaji was in Germany in 1942 when he was conferred the title of Netaji which means ‘Revered Leader’ in Hindi, by German and Indian officials at the Special Bureau for India in Berlin and by Indian soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj. He continued to be addressed as Netaji by one and all.

Chief Minister Slams Centre For Not Declaring The Day A National Holiday

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Tuesday, launched a scathing attack on the present central as well as past governments for failing to declare Netaji Jayanti as a national holiday. She slammed them for their reluctance to honour the great son of India. She said she was sorry to the masses that despite her continuous efforts of the past 20 years she had not been successful in her endeavour.

The day is celebrated nationally as Parakram Diwas to honour the illustrious freedom fighter. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s popularity amongst Indians continues unabated more than a century after he was born.

Here Are Some Of His Timeless Quotes –

• “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!”
• “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”
• “Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
• “It is our duty to pay for our liberty with our own blood. The freedom that we shall win through our sacrifice and exertions, we shall be able to preserve with our own strength.”
• “No real change in history has ever been achieved by discussions.”
• “The secret of political bargaining is to make you look more stronger than what you really are.”
• “Life loses half its interest if there is no struggle — if there are no risks to be taken.”
• “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”
• “Nationalism is inspired by the highest ideals of the human race, satyam, shivam, sundaram.”
• “Reality is, after all, too big for our frail understanding to fully comprehend. Nevertheless, we have to build our life on the theory which contains the maximum truth.”