Thu Jan 23 15:37:25 UTC 2025: ## Modi Pays Tribute to Netaji Bose, Interacts with Students on His 128th Birth Anniversary
**New Delhi, January 23, 2024** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 128th birth anniversary. He commemorated the occasion by interacting with school students in Parliament’s Central Hall. The Prime Minister engaged the children in a lively conversation, inquiring about their lunchboxes and playfully remarking, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to eat it!”
The informal discussion covered a range of topics, including India’s vision for 2047 (the children responded with the goal of achieving a developed nation), the significance of Netaji’s legacy, and the government’s initiatives towards climate change mitigation. PM Modi highlighted the “PM-KUSUM” (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan) scheme, explaining how solar panels can empower households with clean energy, potentially eliminating electricity bills and contributing to environmental sustainability. He also mentioned the deployment of 1200 electric buses in Delhi, with more to come.
The Prime Minister shared a 3:27-minute video of the interaction on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing the children’s insightful responses about Netaji’s inspiring leadership and their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also included a virtual address by the PM to a ceremony in Cuttack, Odisha, marking “Parakram Diwas.” In his address, Modi urged citizens to work together towards building a developed India, drawing parallels between Netaji’s selfless struggle for freedom and the nation’s current developmental aspirations. He also lauded Netaji’s contribution to India’s independence movement and remembered him as a symbol of courage and determination.
In a separate social media post, PM Modi described Netaji’s contributions as unique and his vision as a constant source of inspiration. The day also marked the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, with PM Modi and Amit Shah offering their tributes. This prompted a reaction from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who called for the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna on Balasaheb Thackeray.
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