Bharat Ratna For Subhash Chandra Bose Now Is "So Late", Says Daughter

On Subhas Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary, his daughter, Dr Anita Bose Pfaff, said that conferring the iconic freedom fighter with the Bharat Ratna “now” is “so late”.

She stated that it would have been much better if Bose (popularly known as Netaji) was awarded as "one of the first recipients but not now,” she told TOI in an interview.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced earlier this week that January 23 will be  celebrated as 'Parakram Diwas' every year.

Pfaff said that her family has "opposed giving Netaji the Bharat Ratna" so late because many people of "lesser stature" have received the award before him wherein he should have been among the award's first recipients.

However, welcoming the initiative to rename the Howrah-Kalka Mail after Netaji, Pfaff said, “Two different names have been picked by two different institutions. It will be preferable if they can agree and coordinate."

Meanwhile, on Saturday morning, President Ram Nath Kovind paid tribute to Bose on his birth anniversary. The official Twitter handle of the President of India tweeted that Kovind unveiled a portrait of the freedom fighter at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. 

President Kovind unveils the portrait of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rashtrapati Bhavan to commemorate his 125th birth anniversary celebrations. pic.twitter.com/Y3BnylwA8X

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 23, 2021

"It is befitting to celebrate this day as “Parakram Diwas” to honour his boundless courage & valour. Netaji instilled the fervour of nationalism among his countless followers," Kovind tweeted. 

Tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as the nation commences his 125th birth anniversary celebrations. It is befitting to celebrate this day as “Parakram Diwas” to honour his boundless courage & valour. Netaji instilled the fervour of nationalism among his countless followers

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 23, 2021

The President also thanked Netaji for the "extraordinary contribution to India's freedom struggle." He added that his legacy as one of the greatest freedom fighters who laid their lives for the nation shall always inspire us. "We are committed to strengthen the spirit of freedom so strongly espoused by him," he added.

Netaji is one of our most beloved national heroes who made extraordinary contribution to India's freedom struggle. Netaji’s patriotism and sacrifice shall always inspire us. We are committed to strengthen the spirit of freedom so strongly espoused by him.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 23, 2021

Welcoming the celebration of Bose's birth anniversary as 'Parakram Diwas', Pfaff told Times Now, "I hope it will be done in a fashion which is also appropriate to the person like him who was a person of thought, action and had great love for his country".

Feature Image Credit: Mint