Kovind, Modi pay tribute to Subhash Chandra Bose on 125th birth anniversary

New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders on Sunday paid homage to Subhash Chandra Bose on his 125 birth anniversary.

In his message President said: ''India gratefully pays homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary. The daring steps that he took to fulfil his fierce commitment to the idea of a free India — Azad Hind — make him a national icon. His ideals and sacrifice will forever inspire every Indian."

Prime Minister said every Indian is proud of his monumental contribution to our nation. "Wishing all the countrymen a very Happy Parakram Diwas. My respectful tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary. I bow to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti," he tweeted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid the tributes and said his unparalleled sacrifice, tenacity and struggle for the motherland will always guide the country. "I bow to the great leader of independence Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. He shook the foundation of foreign rule by organizing the youth with his extraordinary patriotism, indomitable courage and stunning speech," he said in a tweet.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage to Subhash Chandra Bose. "Greetings to you on 'Parakram Diwas'. I bow to the epitome of courage and valour, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on this occasion. He went to great lengths while fighting for the freedom of his motherland. His contribution in India's freedom struggle continues to inspire us," he said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee paid the homage to Subhas Chandra Bose and also appealed to the Centre to declare Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary a national holiday. "We again appeal to the Central Government that Netaji's birthday be declared a National Holiday to allow the entire Nation to pay homage to the National Leader and celebrate #DeshNayakDibas in most befitting manner," she tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the hologram statue of Subhas Chandra Bose at the India gate on Sunday evening.

On Friday, Prime Minister announced that a grand statue of the iconic freedom fighter will be installed at India Gate as a symbol of India's "indebtedness" to him.

In a statement, the PMO said the installation of Bose's statue will be part of the year-long celebrations to mark his 125th birth anniversary. (UNI)