“Netaji Was a Visionary of Modern, Rooted India”: PM Modi

• PM addresses Parakram Diwas via videoconference from Andaman & Nicobar
• Says Netaji envisioned a modern India rooted in ancient values
• Highlights renaming of islands and honouring freedom legacy
• Stresses India’s growing power and self-reliant defence push

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the Parakram Diwas programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands via videoconferencing, marking the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The Prime Minister said January 23 is a glorious day in India’s history and noted that Parakram Diwas has become an integral part of the nation’s spirit. He highlighted the series of national observances between January 23 and January 30, calling it a grand festival of the Republic that reflects India’s democratic and freedom traditions.

Referring to Andaman and Nicobar as the main venue for Parakram Diwas 2026, the Prime Minister said the islands symbolise valor, sacrifice and courage, recalling the role of freedom fighters and the hoisting of the tricolour on December 30, 1943, even before independence. He said the land of Andaman reflects the unending idea of freedom and the sacrifices that strengthened India’s resolve.

The Prime Minister said his government has worked to correct historical neglect by renaming colonial-era places to reflect India’s freedom legacy. He noted that Port Blair has been renamed Shri Vijaypuram and other islands as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Subhash Dweep, adding that 21 islands were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees in 2023.

Highlighting Netaji’s legacy, the Prime Minister said he was not only a great hero of the freedom struggle but also a visionary of independent India, who imagined a nation modern in form yet rooted in India’s ancient consciousness. He said initiatives such as a Netaji museum at the Red Fort, a grand statue near India Gate, and recognition of INA contributions reflect the government’s commitment to honouring Netaji’s ideals.

On national strength, the Prime Minister said Netaji always dreamt of a strong India. He said today’s India knows how to build, manage and use power. He highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence, noting that defence exports have crossed ₹23,000 crore and that indigenously developed systems such as BrahMos are gaining global attention.

The Prime Minister said 1.4 billion citizens are united in the resolve to build a developed India, powered by Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Swadeshi spirit. He expressed confidence that the inspiration of Parakram Diwas will continue to strengthen India’s journey towards development.

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 INA veteran Lieutenant R. Madhavan were among those present at the programme.