Netaji's life will inspire us to make Bharat a world leader: Bhagwat

 

 

 

Moirang (Manipur), Jan 24: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose sacrificed his life for the liberation of our motherland and devoted him to the service of the countrymen, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohanrao Bhagwat here on Sunday. He said that his sacrifice and dedication will inspire us to toil hard to make Bharat a world leader in the coming future.

 

The Sarsanghchalak was on a visit to India's northeastern state of Manipur and paid homage to this great son of Mother Bharat at the INA Memorial here on Sunday coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

 

While addressing the gathering at the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose organized by RSS Manipur Prant, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said that RSS celebrated the birth anniversary of Netaji every year across the country, but this year’s celebration is important as it coincides with the 75th year of India’s independence for which Netaji sacrificed his entire life. For this independence, Netaji raised an army and fought against the British.

 

"Netaji is a symbol of courage, Nationalism, dedication, and selfless sacrifice. His life is an inspiration for all of us. He lived not for himself but for others and the Nation. India was ruled by the British and he fought for independence'', the RSS chief said.

 

He stated that following Netaji's vision and instilling the spirit of Nationalism, unity, and sacrifice would be the real tribute.

 

 

Moirang, situated on the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur hosts the INA Memorial in commemoration of the battle between the Azad Hindu Fouz (INA) and the British army during World War II.

 

Bhagwat said that the entire country was paying tributes to Netaji on his 125th birth anniversary and this being the 75th year of our Independence it has special propriety. We are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our independence for which Netaji sacrificed all his life at the altar of our motherland and relentlessly fought with the British. He did not care for his personal gains or happiness but dedicated all his qualities and virtues for the country, Bhagwat said while addressing a public meeting at Moirang in the Bishnupur district of Manipur.

 

The RSS chief further said that when Netaji escaped to foreign lands leaving everything behind, the British were the most powerful nation. But he fearlessly challenged them and with his Indian National Army, he advanced into the Indian Territory, liberated parts from the British yoke, and announced the formation of the Government of Independent India (Azad Hind Sarkar) within the Indian Territory.

 

He was instrumental in bringing all Indians together. This great man who challenged the mighty British on his own was the very epitome of valor and pride. He never wasted his energy in debating our own people. He had some differences with Gandhi but he did not enter into a debate with him. He simply honored Gandhi's wish and left the Congress to pursue his own path. This shows his love for the country and its people, Bhagwat said.

 

Netaji was elected as president of the Congress much against the wishes of Gandhi. However, the majority was with Subhash. Still, he withdrew just to avoid the debate and to uphold the interests of the nation. He was of the view that if we were to fight with the foreign powers and liberate our motherland we must exhibit unity. Such were his views, Bhagwat said.

 

People from all over the country formed the part of the Azad Hind Fouz (INA) founded by Netaji Bose. They dedicated whatever they had to the nation including their lives. Their inspiration behind this dedication was surely spiritual. Bharat is our motherland and we must sacrifice all at her altar was the central inspiration of their life. The new generation must march on the path of progress drawing inspiration from their life and making Bharat a World Leader, Bhagwat appealed.

 

Dr. Mohan Bhagwat is in Manipur on a four-day visit for Karyakarta Beithak. Family members of war heroes Moirang Koireng and Heman Nilamani were also present during the celebration and paid tribute to the portrait of Netaji.

As part of the celebration, a photo gallery of the Indian National Army and Netaji’s life was also displayed.

The celebration was also attended by senior RSS office-bearers Sunil Deshpande, Ulhash Kulkarni, Vashista Bajur Baruah, Kh Rajen Singh, MM Asokan, and other prominent personalities.