Netaji great intellectual, fought for the marginalised: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 120th birth anniversary, saying he was honoured to have had the opportunity to declassify files relating to Bose and fulfil a popular demand pending for decades.

In a series of tweets, he said Netaji's valour played a major role in freeing India from colonialism, adding that he was a great intellectual who always thought about the interests and well being of the marginalised sections of society.

"I salute Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. His valour played a major role in freeing India from colonialism.

''Netaji Bose was a great intellectual who always thought about the interests and wellbeing of the marginalised sections of society.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary, the prime minister made several files related to the freedom fighter available on the internet.

''Honoured that our Government got the opportunity to declassify files relating to Netaji Bose & fulfil a popular demand pending for decades, '' the prime minister said.

He also expressed satisfaction that his government could fulfil people's long-standing demand for declassifying files related to Bose's life.

Beginning 23 January last year, the Modi government has so far released over 303 classified files on Netaji. The declassified files are available on http://www.netajipapers.gov.in.

Paying tribute, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said Netaji was an ''icon of the freedom struggle, and his courage, sacrifice and indomitable spirit remain an inspiration''.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah said: ''I bow to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a phenomenal freedom fighter, an exceptional leader and a brave son of Mother India on his anniversary.''

Information and broadcasting minister Venkaiah Naidu described Netaji as a fervent nationalist and patriot who fought defiantly to liberate India.

It was on this day in 1897 that Bose was born in Cuttack, Odisha.

A number of functions have been organised in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. In Delhi, floral tributes will be paid to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the Central Hall of Parliament.

In the Andaman Nicobar Islands, with which Bose was closely associated, the Subash Mela Committee of Havelock is organising Subash Mela at Krishna Nagar Havelock from today. A variety of cultural programmes, including sports and games, will also be organised during the mela.