Formation of Provisional Govt of Free India Many doff hats to contributions of Netaji

Our Correspondent
Moirang, Oct 21 : The 79th anniversary of Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat E-Azad Hind) formed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to end British rule in India was observed today at INA Martyrs Memorial Hall.
The observance jointly organised by the Department of Art and Culture and INA Advisory Committee, Moirang held as part of Azadika Amrit Mahotsav began by offering floral tributes to the statue of Netaji at INA Memorial Complex.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Education Minister Th Basantakumar said that India got independence in 1947 after a series of events and  movements spearheaded by several leaders of the Nation.
Saying that the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India was also a significant event in the freedom struggle of the country,  the Minister maintained that Netaji was a farsighted leader who had a different vision and demonstrated that freedom should not be given but taken.
Reiterating that the Netaji established a sizeable army and formed the provisional Government to end British rule in India, Basantakumar said, "We must never forget a leader like Netaji Subash Chandra Bose who was bold and fought to banish the British from Indian soil." The contribution of Netaji in the Indian independence movement was immense.
Moirang AC  MLA Th Shanti Singh said that the role of Netaji  in shaping the future of India can only be understood by comparing his contribution with that of other freedom fighters.
"It is fortunate for us Manipuris that a revered leader like Netaji whose vision was unlike that of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi has some connection with Manipur ," he said.
The MLA also said that the statement given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the need to rewrite modern Indian history should not be taken lightly.
Th Shanti continued that the advanced headquarters at Moirang Konjengbam Leikai which was under the command of Netaji has developed under the leadership of Chief Minister like N Biren Singh.
Retired Associate  Professor Y Modhu Singh spoke on  the significance of Moirang and Port Blair during the freedom struggle of the country.
Commissioner of Art & Culture M Joy Singh also attended the programme.