THE commemorative ceremony of the 80th anniversary of the Indian National Army (INA) Raising Day at Ramakrishnan Hall in Penang today highlighted the remarkable leadership qualities of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in uniting India as they fought for independence from British rule.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, as the guest of honour, had the privilege of lighting the Kuttu Vizhaku, the traditional Indian oil lamp.
Several other distinguished guests also joined in the lighting ceremony, including the state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Jelutong MP and state Hindu Endowment Board chairman R.S.N. Rayer, the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia Subhashini Naarayanan, and Netaji Welfare Foundation president S. Rathakrishnan.
Chow thanked Netaji Welfare Foundation (NWF) and Pertubuhan Membina Kapasiti dan Intelek Sosial, Malaysia (Pemkis) for bringing the Raising Day Celebration of Netaji to Penang in his speech.
He later presented a donation of RM20,000 to Pemkis, while NWF chipped in with RM7,500 to Pemkis. Rayer also made a generous donation of RM10,000 to NWF.
Chow said the historic occasion pays tribute to the valiant history of the INA and aligns with the state’s vision as embodied in the Penang2030 initiative.
“Standing on this land, rich in history and cultural diversity, we must acknowledge that the legacy of the INA and the Penang2030 vision share a common thread of inclusivity and progress.
“Our Penang2030 vision strives to create a place where all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, can thrive and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved state.
“Much like how Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose united individuals from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a free and just India, Penang2030 vision envisions a state where people, regardless of their origins, come together to build a thriving and sustainable growth and social inclusivity.
“It also encourages us to celebrate our multicultural heritage and harness it as a source of strength,” Chow said.
Chow also noted the remarkable effort to bring the journey and leadership of Netaji, along with the principles and values of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the state, into the classrooms of Tamil schools through the Teach Malaysia Teach programme.
He said this initiative empowers the country’s future leaders not only to receive quality education but also to develop the skills and mindset necessary to become future leaders.
This is a significant milestone that aims to uplift and empower marginalised groups in Malaysia by providing them with an international standard of education.
Rayer emphasised the significance of the late Netaji’s ability to bring people from different racial and religious backgrounds, like Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, together in their fight for freedom.
“We’ve to look into uniting people of various races in Malaysia for the betterment of the people. We’ve to embrace one another, unite as Malaysia, a place for all,” Rayer stressed.
Subhashini said this year’s commemoration in Penang was all the more symbolic and special as Netaji had addressed a rally to thousands of people in the city 80 years ago.
She also pointed out the shared history of India and Malaysia in their struggles for independence from the British and their longstanding relationships.
“Netaji’s legacy strides like a colossus in our shared history of our struggle and victory against colonialism.
“The values and sacrifices of Netaji serve as an important pillar on which the modern-day relationship between India and Malaysia stands.
“Netaji’s life is a shining example of the lasting people to people connect between India and Malaysia.
“Our commemorative event today is indeed a remembrance and tribute to the great Netaji and his followers as well as India’s special historical linkages with Malaysia,” Subhashini remarked.
She said the Indian Government had announced that the birth anniversary of Netaji, 23 January, be celebrated as Parakram Diwas (or Day of Valor) to honour and remember Netaji.
In September last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a grand statue of Netaji at the India Gate in New Delhi.
Rathakrishnan emphasised Netaji’s extraordinary leadership skills, managerial skills, vision, courage, and motivation.
He mentioned that on 21 October 1943, Netaji, one of India’s greatest sons, announced the formation of the ‘Azri Hukumat-e-Azad Hind’ or the provincial government of Free India in Singapore, declaring war on the British Empire and declaring himself as the Head of State, Prime Minister and Minister of War. Therefore, Oct 21 is celebrated as INA Raising Day every year.
Rathakrishnan also announced that the Netaji Welfare Foundation provided RM50 to each of the 150 students at the event.
PEMKIS president Dr Sumathi Jayabalan, who also serves as a council member of Netaji Foundation, also paid tribute to Netaji as a visionary leader who recognised the significance of gender equality and the invaluable role women play in nation-building.
She highlighted Netaji’s role in establishing the Rani of Jansi Regiment Camp on Oct 22, 1943, a significant milestone in the advancement of the women’s movement in East Asia.
“He started gender equality. As women, it is only fitting that we also reflect on the invaluable contributions and unwavering spirit of women empowerment.
“He had a clear vision regarding women’s power and potential and he was a staunch advocate for women empowerment.
“He believed that a nation can only truly rise when its women rise alongside. He drew inspiration from his mother, Prabavathi Devi, whose influence instilled in him a deep respect for the power and potential of women,” Dr Sumathi said.
During the event, Times of India journalist Aradhana Takhtani recited a poem dedicated to Netaji.
Attendees were also treated to a special and inspiring drama by some students of Subramaniya Barathee and Permatang Tinggi Tamil schools, namely J. Hiren, D. Sachinn, G. Sanjay and S. Narruljothy, who narrated Netaji’s leadership and values that growing children can emulate.
Among others present at the ceremony were Lau Keng Ee, political secretary to the Chief Minister; Datuk Ramachandran; S.P. Narayanasamy, INA veteran and secretary of Netaji Service Centre; L. Krishnan, organising chairman and Netaji council member; and K. Ramasamy, chairman of the Ramakrishna Orphanage.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
