Parakram Diwas: Why it is celebrated
In 2021, the government declared that January 23 would be remembered as Parakram Diwas in honour of Netaji’s unwavering fight for India’s independence.
Tuesday was recognised as “Parakram Diwas,” or the Day of Valour, in honour of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. India paid its respects to him on this special day. In 2021, the Centre declared that January 23 would be observed annually as “Parakram Diwas” in honour of Netaji.
Day to honour Netaji’s legacy
To honour Netaji’s unwavering pursuit of India’s independence, the government formally declared on January 19, 2021, that January 23 would be remembered as Parakram Diwas. The name Parakram Diwas means “Day of Valour.”
The Centre stated in a notification that “the Government of India has decided to celebrate Netaji’s birthday on the 23rd day of January every year as “PARAKRAM DIWAS” to honour and remember his indomitable spirit and selfless service to the nation. This will inspire people of the country, especially the youth, to act with fortitude in the face of adversity as Netaji did and to infuse in them a spirit of patriotic fervour.”
The inaugural event was held in Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial Hall in 2021. A model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji, which was intended to be built on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, was unveiled in 2023. In 2022, a holographic statue of Netaji was unveiled at India Gate. In 2023, the 21 largest unnamed islands of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were named after the 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra.
Parakram Diwas 2024 programme
There are celebrations of the day held all over the nation each year. The Union Ministry of Culture has chosen to host a comprehensive celebration at the Red Fort this year as well, working with its institutions, including the National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi, National Archives of India, and the Archaeological Survey of India. The programme at the event will include a wide range of activities that explore the profound legacy of Azad Hind Fauj and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
The Azad Hind Fauj and the story of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose were significantly influenced by the Red Fort. The legacy of Bose and INA is preserved and honoured in a museum housed within the Red Fort. It was also opened by Prime Minister Modi on Netaji’s birthday in 2019..
The ministry claims that a projection mapping show will turn the Red Fort into a canvas, and that National School of Drama (NSD) artists will perform on stage, illuminating its walls with historical and artistic tales of bravery and sacrifice. The Indian National Army veterans will also receive special recognition.
The visitors, who can attend the event for free, will also be able to see exhibitions of archives, showcasing rare photographs and documents that chronicle the journey of Netaji and the Azad Hind Fauj at the Red Fort. Moreover, painting and sculpture workshops will be held during the event.
