Parakram Diwas 2026: Significance, History, Theme, and Legacy of Netaji

Parakram Diwas 2026 marks the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Know its significance, history, theme, celebrations, and his lasting legacy in India’s freedom struggle.

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Parakram Diwas 2026 is being observed across India on 23 January 2026 to commemorate the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the most courageous and visionary leaders of India’s freedom struggle. The day celebrates his unmatched bravery (parakram), patriotism, and lifelong dedication to India’s independence and self-respect.

Declared by the Government of India in 2021, Parakram Diwas has become a national occasion to honour Netaji’s legacy and to inspire citizens, especially the youth, to imbibe his ideals of courage, sacrifice, and national pride.

What is Parakram Diwas?

Parakram Diwas is observed every year on January 23, the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose. The word Parakram means valour, courage, and heroic determination, qualities that defined Netaji’s personality and leadership.

The day is dedicated to:

Remembering Netaji’s role in India’s freedom struggle
Honouring the Indian National Army (INA)
Inspiring a fearless and self-reliant Bharat

It is a public holiday in several states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Assam, and Jharkhand.

Aspect	Details
Date	23 January 2026
Occasion	128th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Celebrations	Cultural programs, patriotism-themed events, school and college activities, tributes by political leaders, INA remembrance ceremonies
Major Event	A grand three-day celebration (23–25 January 2026) at Barabati Fort, Cuttack, Netaji’s birthplace, inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi

History of Parakram Diwas

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha. He was a brilliant student who later joined the Indian Civil Service (ICS) but resigned in 1921, stating that he could not serve a foreign government while his country remained enslaved.

Major milestones:

President of the Indian National Congress (1938)
Founder of Forward Bloc
Leader of the Indian National Army (INA)
Architect of the armed struggle against British rule

He transformed India’s freedom movement into a global campaign and mobilised Indians living abroad, especially in Southeast Asia.

Role of INA and Netaji’s Revolutionary Vision

Netaji believed that freedom was not to be begged but taken with strength and unity. This belief shaped the Indian National Army. His iconic slogan:

“Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”

The INA brought together Indians from different religions, castes, regions, and even genders. Women soldiers were trained in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, showcasing Netaji’s progressive and egalitarian outlook.

Why is Parakram Diwas Important in 2026?

In today’s India, Parakram Diwas goes beyond remembrance. It aligns with the vision of:

Shedding colonial mindset
Promoting national pride
Building Atmanirbhar Bharat
Honouring unsung heroes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently linked Netaji’s ideals with modern India’s growth story. The installation of Netaji’s statue at Kartavya Path, renaming islands in Andaman & Nicobar in his honour, and national-level celebrations reflect this commitment.

Famous Quotes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

“Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will live in a thousand lives.”
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.”

These quotes define the spirit of Parakram Diwas 2026.

Government’s Commemoration Initiatives

Government’s Commemoration Initiatives

Declaration of 23 January as Parakram Diwas (2021) to honour the birth anniversary and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Installation of the grand statue of Netaji at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, symbolising national pride and courage.
Renaming of islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Netaji and INA heroes to preserve their historical legacy.
Organisation of national-level celebrations and cultural programmes every year on Parakram Diwas.
Promotion of INA history through museums, exhibitions, and digital archives.
Inclusion of Netaji’s life and ideology in educational and awareness programmes for youth.
Encouragement of a colonial mindset-free narrative, emphasising Indian heroes and indigenous values.
Recognition and felicitation of INA veterans and freedom fighters on special occasions.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to keeping Netaji’s ideals of courage, nationalism, and self-reliance alive in modern India.

Significance of Parakram Diwas

It honours the birth anniversary and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most fearless freedom fighters.
It celebrates the spirit of parakram (courage, valour, and determination) that defined India’s freedom struggle.
It recognises the contribution of the Indian National Army (INA) and its role in challenging British rule.
It inspires the youth to adopt values of patriotism, discipline, sacrifice, and leadership.
It reinforces the idea of national unity, as the INA brought together people across caste, religion, region, and gender.
It highlights India’s journey towards self-reliance and dignity, echoing Netaji’s vision of a strong nation.
It supports the goal of shedding the colonial mindset and reclaiming India’s historical narrative.
It reminds citizens that freedom is earned through courage and action, not granted.
It connects historical bravery with modern aspirations of Atmanirbhar Bharat and national progress.

Conclusion

Parakram Diwas 2026 is not just a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, but a call to transform parakram (valour) into pragati (progress). His vision of a fearless, united, and self-reliant India continues to guide Bharat’s journey in the 21st century.

As Netaji once said:

“An idea lives on, even after the man is gone.”

On this Parakram Diwas, India reaffirms its resolve to walk the path shown by Netaji—one of courage, dignity, and unwavering national pride.

Parakram Diwas 2025 FAQs

What is Parakram Divas?

Netaji Jayanti or Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, officially known as Parakram Diwas or Parakram Divas ( lit. 'Day of Valour'), is a national event celebrated in India to mark the birthday of the prominent Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.