Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 18 January 2023
Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India’s people, culture and achievements. Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi in his speech on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, had called upon all Indians to take pride in their heritage and legacy. India has a rich and glorious history, which is replete with stories of unprecedented bravery, valour, sacrifice, penance, wars and victories of our heroes. One of such great son of Mother India was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose whose contributions to the independence movement has inspired generations of Indians and inculcates a sense of pride amongst the countrymen.
The Ministry of Home Affairs under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Amit Shah is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Iconic Events Week from 17th to 23rd January 2023, to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The events will be organized on the theme of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s life and his contribution to the freedom struggle. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Mr. Amit Shah will be the Chief Guest at a grand culmination event to be held in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on the 23rd of January, 2023.
The events will be organized in collaboration with the Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration, and the State Governments of Manipur, Nagaland, Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal at locations which are related to Netaji’s life and work. In Manipur, the events were held at Mantripukhri, Keithalmanbi, Kangvai, Moirang and Nambol on 17th January 2023. In Nagaland, it will be held at Ruzazho and Chesezu Villages, Kohima on 18th January 2023, in Gujarat at Haripura, Bardoli, and Surat on 19th January 2023, in Odisha at Cuttack on 20th January 2023 and in West Bengal event will be organized in Kolkata on 21st January 2023. An array of activities celebrating Netaji’s immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle have been planned to be held throughout the week at these locations.
In the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, the programmes have been designed to promote large scale public involvement in all the events, so that the citizens can take inspiration from our national heroes and carry forward the great ideals that they stood for.
A grand mega event will be organized at Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where Netaji hoisted the Tri-colour on 30.12.1943 for the first time on the Indian soil, much before India attained Independence. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Iconic Events Week is an ode to the life and contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the India’s struggle for freedom. It is a remembrance of his high ideals and a moment for all the country to draw inspiration from lives of our freedom fighters.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate a model of the proposed Memorial dedicated in honour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to be set up at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, A&N Islands on Jan. 23 at 11 am. This will be followed by a short video showcasing the proposed memorial to be set up at NSCB Island. Thereafter, Hon’ble Prime Minister will also announce the naming of 21 Islands of Andaman and Nicobar in the name of Param Veer Chakra Awardees. A short video on the naming of 21 Islands of Andaman & Nicobar will be screened. A live video message of family members of Param Veer Chakra winners expressing gratitude for the initiative taken by Govt. in naming of the Islands in their memory will also be screened. This event will be live screened in a function to be held in the Auditorium of DBRAIT, Port Blair. The Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah will attend the live screening programme and address the gathering at DBRAIT, Port Blair. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will virtually address the nation.
Thereafter, Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah will present mementos to 21 Param Veer Chakra winners or family members on the occasion.
The proposed Memorial of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose will include a Museum –cum- Interpretation Center, a cable car rope way, a laser and sound show, a guided heritage trail through the Island’s historical buildings, a theme based children’s amusement park and a food and restro lounge. The dedication of 21 Islands of A & N Islands in the name of PVC winners will be a homage to these bravehearts on the occasion of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
The mega event at Port Blair also includes a Cultural extravaganza at the historical Netaji Stadium on 23.01.2023 at 5 pm. Hon’ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah will be the chief guest on the occasion. Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman , Islands Development Agency will also grace the occasion. A video film on the events organized as part of the birth anniversary celebration of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in five cities in the country will be screened. The evening will be followed by performance by renowned singers and artists with their live band. The other highlights of the evening includes presentation of a dance ballet on the life of Netaji choreographed by eminent Choreographer Ms. Tanusree Shankar and various dance performances.
Meanwhile, as part of the event, a Kavi Sammelan by renowned poets will be organized at National Memorial Cellular Jail on 21.01.2023 from 5 pm to 7 pm. On the same day, Naval Band will perform at Marina Park, from 7 pm to 7.30 pm followed by Classical Dance performance from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at the same venue. On Jan. 22, Naval Band and MARCOS mock drill show will be held from 3 pm to 3.45 pm at Marina Park. This will be followed by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) display from 3.45 to 4.15 pm and Music Show from 4.15 pm to 6.15 pm at Marina Park. Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) display will also be held on Jan. 23 from 4 pm to 4.30 pm at Marina Park.