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New Delhi : The Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on August 12, 2020, stressed the need to providing a comprehensive, authentic, and objective account of the historical events. He was speaking after releasing the book, ‘NETAJI—India’s Independence and British Archives’ authored by Dr Kalyan Kumar De, an associate member of the Netaji Subash Bose-INA Trust, at Up-Rashtrapati Nivas.
Observing that the book contains some interesting documents that throw light on the great contribution made by Netaji to India’s freedom movement, the Vice President emphasised the need for our younger generation to be aware of India’s history. Also, the stories of valour and sacrifices made by freedom fighters from across the country should be highlighted in the text-books, Naidu added. The Vice President said that there were many shades and facets of freedom movement which need to be taught to the younger generation. “Many people from different parts of India made sacrifices for our independence. Their stories should also be highlighted,” he added.
Referring to the prominent role played by Subhas Chandra Bose in the freedom struggle, Naidu said that his dynamic and courageous leadership during the freedom movement will continue to be a major source of inspiration to the people particularly the youth. Stating that the revival of INA made it a force to reckon with, Naidu said as the documents in this book indicate, the British were quite alarmed at the rising tide of public sympathy for INA. It was one of the main contributing factors in the country’s freedom struggle.
Referring to International Youth Dayon August 12, 2020, Naidu called upon the youth to take inspiration from the life of Netaji and strive towards building a New India. Pointing out that even seven decades after Independence, the country continues to face many challenges on different fronts, he asked the youth to be in the forefront of building a New India, which is free of poverty, illiteracy, corruption, caste, gender discrimination and where every Indian has equal opportunities. He said Netaji was proud of India’s civilisational values, history and culture and strongly believed that great nations have to shape their own destinies. “He sought to re-kindle this spirit among the people,” he added, according to a PIB release.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chairman of Netaji Subhash Bose-INA Trust, Brig RS Chhikara, Vice Chairman of the Trust Surya Prakash, Member of Advisory Board of the Trust Dr J S Rajput, Trustee of Netaji Subhash Bose-INA Trust and grand niece of Netaji Renuka Malaker, and Ankur Pathak from Garuda Prakashan were among the dignitaries attending the book release event.