Efforts were made to ensure Netaji’s legacy is forgotten: Amit Shah in Kolkata – The Indian Express

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday alleged that efforts were made to wipe out Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy from Indian history, but added that those efforts failed.

After inaugurating the “Shauryanjali Programme” at the National Library in Kolkata — it has been organised to pay tribute to Bengali revolutionaries — Shah urged the Indian youth to draw inspiration from the lives and struggles of freedom fighters.

“Efforts were made to ensure that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is forgotten, but such attempts failed. His legacy of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and selfless service to the nation will continue to inspire generations to come,” he added.

The home minister recalled how a brilliant Bose cracked the Indian Civil Service (ICS) exam but left the job to plunge into the freedom struggle.

“Sacrifice is the only means to take a nation forward even if that means sacrificing one’s career. Netaji is still loved and respected by people like he was many, many years ago. His indomitable spirit still inspires people. It was Netaji’s undaunted spirit and enthusiasm that led to the formation of the Indian National Army (INA) — the journey for which began from the soil of Bengal,” he added.

Urging the youth to build their lives like Bose, Shah said, “I want to say to the country’s youth that you should read about the life of Subhas Chandra Bose. His journey will teach you a lot. A committee has been constituted under the Prime Minister to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji.”

The minister also inaugurated the “Biplabi Bangla” exhibition on the life of freedom fighters from Bengal such as Khudiram Bose and Rash Behari Bose.

Later, he also flagged off a cycle rally. Divided into three teams named after Netaji, Khudiram Bose and Rash Behari Bose, the cyclists will collectively traverse 900 km to spread the message of the illustrious freedom fighters.