New Delhi, 30 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, recalling the historic day in 1943 when Bose hoisted the Indian tricolour in Port Blair — a symbolic act of defiance and courage that marked a defining moment in India’s struggle for independence.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote, “On this day, December 30, 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolour in Port Blair with great courage and valour. That moment reminds us that freedom is not merely an aspiration — it is forged through strength, hard work, justice, and collective resolve.”Modi also shared an ancient Sanskrit verse, highlighting the foundational values of strength, effort, justice, and unity:“सामर्थ्यमूलं स्वातन्त्र्यं श्रममूलं च वैभवम्। न्यायमूलं सुराज्यं स्यात् सङ्घमूलं महाबलम्॥”The shloka translates to — “The root of freedom lies in strength; the root of prosperity in hard work; the foundation of good governance in justice; and the source of great power in unity.”

The Prime Minister’s tribute coincided with the 82nd anniversary of Netaji’s historic event during World War II, when, with the support of the Japanese forces, the Indian National Army (INA) took control of the Andaman Islands.

On December 30, 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose raised the national flag in Port Blair — declaring it free from British rule and symbolically marking the first unfurling of the Indian tricolour on liberated Indian soil.The Government of India continues to commemorate this day as a symbol of Netaji’s indomitable spirit and his unwavering vision for a self-reliant, independent India.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar