Minister Kashiho speaking at the cultural event in tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Kohima on January 18. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 18
Nagaland Soil & Water Conservation and Geology & Mining Minister, V Kashiho Sangtam today called upon the people to “rededicate ourselves in the service of the nation and put the interest of the nation and of the people above anything else, which will be best homage and tribute that we will be giving to Netaji (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose), 'the patriot of the patriots' as called by Mahatma Gandhi.”
Speaking at the cultural programme in commemoration of 126th birth anniversary Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, the minister said that he was happy to be a part of the celebrations for honouring and commemorating the 126th birth anniversary of one of the most revered, loved and passionate freedom fighter of the nation, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
He said that Netaji advocated complete independence of India with adherence to the application of principles of equality and social justice and in 1941 at the time Second World War was raging in the world, Netaji reached Germany to work for India's Independence and in 1943, he came to Singapore to lead the Indian Independence League and rebuild the Indian National Army (INA) and soon made it an effective instrument in the fight for the freedom of India.
On 21 October 1943, Netaji, proclaimed the formation of the provisional government of independent India (Azad Hind) in Singapore and went to Andaman which had been occupied by the Japanese and hoisted there: the flag of India.
In early 1944, three units of the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) took part in the attack on the north-eastern parts of India to oust the British from India.
The Azad Hind Fauj, with the slogan of 'Delhi Chalo' and the salutation Jai Hind was a source of inspiration to millions of Indians, inside and outside the country, the minister said.
Netaji rallied together with the Indians of all religions and regions, living in southeast Asia, for the cause of India's freedom. The Azad Hind Fauj became the symbol of unity and heroism to the people of India, he said.
Netaji, unfortunately, reportedly lost his life in August 1945 in an air crash. However, the patriotic fervour and nationalist zeal that were created amongst the countrymen by the epochal actions of Netaji didn't allow us to remain under bondage for long, and we got our freedom soon thereafter in 1947, the minister said.
“As we could see, the life of Netaji was of selfless sacrifices and for whom every moment meant living for the nation. Today as we remember him, our hearts are filled with awe and immense gratitude for the man who gave away everything so that we live with our heads held high in a free nation,” the minister said.
