New Delhi: The government is considering reprinting some of the books written by Subhash Chandra Bose. It is also planning to start fellowships for students to commemorate Bose’s 125th birth anniversary celebrations which would begin from January 23. Subhash Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack and then shifted to Kolkata. It was from Kolkata that the legendary freedom fighter’s journey began. The government is also planning to invite veterans of INA to lead the Republic Day parade.
These proposals were put forth during a meeting chaired by Culture and Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on the preparations for the event. The Culture Ministry gave out a statement in this regard.
“Some of the suggestions made by the participants included reprinting of some of the books written by Netaji as well as INA members. Also introduction of short lectures in schools and colleges, promoting Netaji as a youth icon and champion of gender equality,” the statement said.
The meeting was attended by Bose’s family members. Others present were Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose INA Trust members, educationists, historians, and representatives of various organisations associated with him.
Addressing the participants, the culture minister said that the celebrations to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Bose will start from January 23, 2021.
Patel said a large array of historical documents, clippings, photos, videos, memorabilia and other material is available with the families of Bose as well as those of INA members which should be brought together at one place for display and dissemination. He also said that a museum on Bose is proposed to be set up in Kolkata as a part of commemorations and that the current museum at Red Fort in New Delhi is also proposed to be expanded.
Patel urged that a calendar of important dates associated with Bose and INA be drawn up for celebrations. He welcomed the suggestion that the commemorations should travel beyond Indian shores through our embassies and Indian High Commissions.