Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam, IAS, today unfurled 126 Indian flags at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima, in commemoration of the 126th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief secretary said Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the foremost and most beloved freedom fighters of our nation whose “epochal contributions in the freedom movement remain unparalleled”.

J Alam added that Netaji continues to inspire and live in the hearts of every countryman.

“His indomitable spirit, selfless sacrifices made all throughout his life while continuing to strive with deep conviction and resolution for the freedom of our nation from the shackles of bondage make our heads bow in reverence and awe,” J Alam said.

The chief secretary further said he was honoured to be a part of the momentous event.

He also added that while listening to the brass and pipe bands playing songs of Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army, the tunes of these songs will generate the same fervour in the audience when they were yearning for freedom.

The highlight of the programme was the Brass and Pipe Band display by the Nagaland Police Training School Brass Band, Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band, 15th NAP (Mahila) Battalion Pipe Band and the 1st Assam Rifles Pipe Band.

A walkathon was also organised on the occasion from Indira Gandhi Stadium to the Civil Secretariat Plaza where more than 500 volunteers from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the Assam Rifles participated.

‘Parakram Diwas’, meaning ‘Day of Courage’ or ‘Day of Valor’, is celebrated on 23 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who was born on this day in the year 1897.