The grand celebration of Parakram Diwas 2025 began on 23rd January 2025 at Barabati Fort in Cuttack, Odisha marking the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The event, which was organised at his birthplace, also commemorated Odisha’s connection with Netaji, and the state’s impact in developing Netaji’s early sensibilities. The highlight of the event was a video message from the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who paid tribute to Netaji highlighting his unwavering dedication to the nationalist cause. The Prime Minister recalled the inspiring journey of Netaji’s life and also stressed upon Netaji’s early connection with Odisha. Remembering Netaji, he recalled Netaji’s perseverance and determination towards the dream of ‘Azaad Hind’. He extolled the Azad Hind Fauz as a timeless example of unity in diversity and called upon the nation to be united in the cause of a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Reiterating his commitment to India becoming a global powerhouse, the Prime Minister exhorted the nation to work together for realising the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ as a true  ‘Kaaryanjali’ to Netaji.

The first day of the commemoration saw Shri Mohan CharanMajhi, Chief Minister of Odisha,hoisting the National Flag and paying homage to Netaji at Netaji Birthplace Museum located in the house where Netaji was born in 1897. From the museum, the Chief Minister proceeded to the Barabati Fort where he inaugurated the curated exhibition centred on Netaji’s life.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohan CharanMajhi, Chief Minister, Odisha paid homage to Netaji by recalling his life journey, his indomitable courage and his commitment towards India’s freedom struggle. He highlighted Netaji’s invaluable contribution to the nation by inspiring generations with his patriotism and valour. He also felicitated Shri R Madhavan Pillai, an INA veteran who will turn 99 years old in March this year but had still graced the occasion with his presence, on behalf of a grateful nation.

The Parakram Diwas celebrations this year include a 'Book, Photo, and Archival Exhibition' dedicated to Netaji featuring rare photographs, books and archival materialshedding light on his revolutionary journey. An AR/VR displayshowcasing the remarkable lifeof Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose has also been set up for the visitors. Many sculptures of Netaji, including a magnificent sand sculpture, have been installed on the occasion. The event also features a sixty feet long painting depicting various aspects of Netaji’s life.Cultural performances honouring Netaji’s legacyand showcasing Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage are being organised on the occasion. Films based on Netaji's life will also be screened for a deeper appreciationof Netaji’s remarkable journey and his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle. Seeing the enthusiastic public response, the originally three day-long event has been extended by a day and will now continue till 26^th January, 2025, presenting a multihued bouquet of the exhibition, cultural programmes, the atrical performances and films on Netaji for the visitors.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari