NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon people to stay united in pursuit of “viksit Bharat” and warned them against forces seeking to weaken the country.
Addressing a Parakram Diwas event in Cuttack to commemorate Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary in the city of his birth, the PM said the iconic freedom fighter’s life “is a source of continuous inspiration” for people.
In the remarks delivered virtually, Modi said Netaji chose to shun comfort zone and preferred to struggle for the country’s Independence.
The PM said, “He never got trapped in a comfort zone. Similarly, we all have to step out of our comfort zone to build a ‘viksit Bharat’. We have to make ourselves best globally. We have to choose excellence and focus on efficiency.”
Bose was single-mindedly focussed on the country’s independence and people from diverse background united for the cause, he said. “Now we have to stay united for a developed India,” he said.
The PM also paid tribute to Netaji at an event in Parliament along with leaders from various parties. In a post on X, Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The heroic story of Netaji, who left an indelible mark in the history of Independence, will continue to inspire the younger generation towards patriotism and selfless service.”
Kharge described Bose as “a great freedom fighter, former Congress president and a source of inspiration”.
In a message, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Netaji’s leadership, courage, his struggle for social justice and his contribution towards tolerance and inclusion continued to inspire every Indian.