Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Parakram Diwas programme in Andaman & Nicobar Islands via Videoconferencing today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi stated that January 23 is the glorious date of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. He remarked that Netaji’s valor and courage inspire us and fill us with reverence for him. He highlighted that in recent years, Parakram Diwas has become an integral festival of the nation’s spirit. Shri Modi said it is a happy coincidence that January 23 is Parakram Diwas, January 25 is National Voters’ Day, January 26 is Republic Day, January 29 is Beating Retreat, and January 30 is the death anniversary of revered Bapu, creating a new tradition of celebrating the grand festival of the Republic. He extended greetings to all citizens on Parakram Diwas. 

Noting that in 2026, the main celebration of Parakram Diwas is being held in Andaman and Nicobar, Shri Modi highlighted that the history of Andaman and Nicobar, filled with valor, sacrifice, and courage, the stories of patriots like Veer Savarkar in the Cellular Jail, and its connection with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose make this celebration even more special. The Prime Minister remarked that the land of Andaman symbolizes the belief that the idea of freedom never ends. He said that many revolutionaries were tortured here and many fighters sacrificed their lives, but instead of extinguishing, the spark of the freedom struggle grew stronger. Shri Modi stated that as a result, the land of Andaman and Nicobar became witness to the first sunrise of free India. He recalled that even before 1947, on December 30, 1943, the tricolor was hoisted here with the waves of the ocean as witness. The Prime Minister recalled that in 2018, when the 75th anniversary of this great event was marked, he had the privilege of hoisting the tricolor at the same place on December 30. Shri Modi remarked that as the national anthem played by the ocean shore, the tricolor fluttering in strong winds seemed to call out that countless dreams of freedom fighters had come true.

Shri Modi stated that after independence, the glorious history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should have been preserved, but at that time those who came to power carried a sense of insecurity. He remarked that they wanted to limit the credit for freedom to only one family, and in this political self-interest, the nation’s history was neglected. Shri Modi highlighted that Andaman and Nicobar too were left tied to the identity of colonial rule, with its islands still known by the names of British officers even seventy years after independence. The Prime Minister said that his government ended this injustice of history, and therefore Port Blair has now become ‘Shri Vijaypuram’, a name that reminds us of Netaji’s victory. He added that similarly, other islands were renamed as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Subhash Dweep. Shri Modi recalled that in 2023, 21 islands of Andaman were named after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. He emphasized that today, names linked to slavery are being erased in Andaman and Nicobar, and the new names of free India are establishing their identity. 

The Prime Minister further remarked that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a great hero of the freedom struggle but also a visionary of independent India. He envisioned a nation modern in form yet rooted in India’s ancient consciousness. Shri Modi said that it is our responsibility to acquaint today’s generation with Netaji’s vision, and expressed happiness that his government is fulfilling this responsibility. He highlighted that a museum dedicated to Netaji has been built at the Red Fort in Delhi, a grand statue of Netaji has been installed near India Gate, and the contribution of the INA has been remembered in the Republic Day parade. The Prime Minister added that the Subhas Chandra Bose Disaster Management Awards have also been instituted. He remarked that these initiatives are not only a mark of respect to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but also serve as immortal sources of inspiration for our youth and future generations. Shri Modi stated that honoring these ideals and drawing inspiration from them is what fills our resolve for a developed India with energy and confidence.

Shri Modi stated that a weak nation finds it difficult to achieve its goals, and therefore Netaji Subhas always dreamt of a strong nation. He remarked that in the 21st century, India too is establishing itself as a powerful and resolute nation. He highlighted that during Operation Sindoor, India struck back by entering the homes of those who inflicted wounds on the country and destroyed them. Shri Modi emphasized that India today knows how to build power, how to manage it, and how to use power. He said that following Netaji Subhas’s vision of a strong India, the country is working to make the defense sector self-reliant. The Prime Minister noted that earlier India was dependent only on importing weapons from abroad, but today India’s defense exports have crossed ₹23,000 crore. He added that indigenously built BrahMos and other missiles are attracting global attention. Shri Modi remarked that India is modernizing its armed forces with the power of self-reliance. 

Highlighting that today 1.4 billion citizens are united in working towards the resolve of a developed India, a path strengthened by the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and powered by the mantra of Swadeshi, the Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that the inspiration of Parakram Diwas will continue to give strength to this journey of a developed India.

Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), Chairman of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose INA Trust, Brigadier (Retd.) R. S. Chikara, and participant in India’s freedom movement and eternal INA figure Lieutenant R. Madhavan were present among other dignitaries at the event.

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MJPS/SR