New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hoisted the national flag at the historic Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the ‘Azad Hind Sarkar’ by revolutionary freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
While speaking on the occasion, the PM honoured Netaji for his invaluable contribution to the country’s struggle for Independence.
“Netaji had promised an India where everyone has equal rights and equal opportunities. He had promised a prosperous nation which was proud of its traditions, development in all areas. He had promised to uproot ‘divide and rule’. Even after so many years, those dreams remain unfulfilled,” Modi said.
“We have reached ‘Swaraj’ after lakhs of sacrifices. It is our responsibility to maintain this ‘Swaraj’ with ‘Suraaj’,” the PM said.
“In the last 4 years, several measures were taken to strengthen the defence. Best technologies were brought to the defence. This govt has the strength to make big and tough decisions, it’ll continue. Be it the surgical strike or making the files of Netaji public, all such decisions were taken by our government,” he told the gathering.
A national award in the name of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose will be given every year to police personnel who do excellent work in rescue and relief operations during any kind of disaster, Modi announced.
After hoisting the ‘Tiranga’, PM Modi will unveil the plaque to celebrate the anniversary of the Azad Hind government, inspired and headed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Union Minister Mahesh Sharma, survivors of the INA, Indian armed forces veterans and followers of ‘Netaji’ Subhas Chandra Bose attended the event at the historic Red Fort to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Azad Hind Government.
The Prime Minister earlier inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a refurbished National Police Memorial and a newly-built museum for the khaki-donning forces.
A 30-feet-tall and 238-tonne heavy black granite central sculpture honouring the slain troopers, a museum and a wall of valour bearing the names of over 34,800 martyred personnel were unveiled during the event held to mark the National Police Commemoration Day.
Modi was accorded a ceremonial salute upon his arrival at the memorial which is built on a 6.12-acre land in central Delhi’s Chanakyapuri area. He was received by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the venue.
He then led the people present for the event into laying wreaths on the memorial in the honour and memory of the jawan killed in the line of action.