PM Modi Releases ₹125 Coin on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released a ₹125 commemorative coin and a postal stamp to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the inaugural function of the ‘Parakram Diwas’ celebrations held at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, on January 23, 2021.

The occasion was graced by the Governor of West Bengal, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, Union Ministers Shri Prahlad Patel and Shri Babul Supriyo, close relatives of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and the valiant members of the Azad Hind Fauj whose contributions have eternally elevated the nation’s pride.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that today marks the birth anniversary of the brave son of Maa Bharti who gave a new direction to the dream of an independent India. He remarked that this is the day when the nation celebrates the spirit that pierced through the darkness of colonial rule and challenged the world’s most powerful empire with the resolute words, “I will not beg for freedom—I will take it.”

The Prime Minister stated that the country has decided to observe Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, 23 January, every year as Parakram Divas to honour and remember Netaji’s indomitable courage and selfless service to the nation. Shri Modi affirmed that Netaji represents the very embodiment of India’s strength and enduring inspiration.

He expressed his privilege that in 2018 the government renamed Ross Island in the Andamans as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. He highlighted that, respecting the sentiments of the people, the government also declassified and made public the files related to Netaji. He further recalled with pride the participation of INA veterans in the Republic Day Parade and the fulfilment of Netaji’s dream of unfurling the Tricolour at the Red Fort during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind Government.

Referring to the poignant question Netaji posed to his nephew Sisir Bose before his daring escape, the Prime Minister said, “If today every Indian places their hand on their heart and feels Netaji’s presence, they will hear the same question: Will you do something for me?” He added that this task—this mission—is to build a self-reliant India. Every person, every region and every corner of the country is a part of this resolve.

The Prime Minister noted that Netaji had identified poverty, illiteracy and disease as among India’s gravest challenges. Reiterating this concern, he said that these remain the nation’s biggest obstacles, alongside inadequate scientific production. He urged society to come together to address these issues through collective effort.

Shri Modi said that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is not only the greatest inspiration for the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat but also for the aspiration of Sonar Bangla. He emphasised that just as Netaji played a decisive role in India’s freedom struggle, West Bengal must now play a leading role in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance. He concluded that the path to Aatmanirbhar Bharat must be guided by an Aatmanirbhar Bengal and the spirit of Sonar Bangla.

This release marked the first commemorative coin for the year 2021, with several more expected to be issued.