Parakram Diwas 2026: India Honors the 129th Birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
On January 23, 2026, India commemorates the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valor). The day celebrates his extraordinary courage, revolutionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to India’s independence. Declared a national observance in 2021, Parakram Diwas seeks to inspire citizens, especially youth, to embody the spirit of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice that defined Netaji’s life.
In 2026, the observance is marked by significant cultural, archival, and national initiatives that highlight both his historical legacy and contemporary relevance.
Why Parakram Diwas Matters
Parakram Diwas symbolizes India’s recognition of Netaji’s indomitable spirit, strategic brilliance, and revolutionary ideology. Unlike conventional freedom fighters, Bose championed a militant and international approach to liberating India from colonial rule.
The Government of India designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 with the aim of:
- Honoring Netaji’s leadership and sacrifices
- Promoting national pride and resilience
- Inspiring youth to act with courage in times of adversity
- Reinforcing the values of selfless service and discipline
Major National Events on Parakram Diwas 2026
1. Theatrical Production “Netaji” in Sri Vijyapuram
A major highlight of Parakram Diwas 2026 is a grand theatrical production titled “Netaji”, staged by the National School of Drama in Sri Vijyapuram (formerly Port Blair), Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This location holds immense historical significance. In 1943, Netaji hoisted the Indian Tricolour on Indian soil in the Andaman Islands after assuming control from the Japanese authorities.
The theatre production aims to:
- Portray Netaji’s revolutionary journey
- Highlight the formation and role of the Azad Hind Fauj (INA)
- Educate youth through cultural storytelling
- Preserve and popularize nationalist history
2. “Subhash Abhinandan” Exhibition by National Archives of India
The National Archives of India (NAI) has curated a special exhibition titled “Subhash Abhinandan.”
Key Highlights of the Exhibition:
- Rare archival documents on Netaji’s political life
- Personal letters and correspondences
- Historic photographs and INA records
- Documents detailing Bose’s international diplomacy
- Materials on India’s revolutionary movements
This exhibition provides invaluable primary sources for historians, researchers, and UPSC aspirants studying India’s freedom struggle.
3. Digital and Symbolic Tributes to Netaji
The government continues to integrate Netaji’s legacy into the national narrative through symbolic initiatives:
- Installation of a grand granite statue of Netaji at India Gate (2022)
- Digitization and public release of classified Netaji files
- Integration of Bose’s life and ideals into educational and cultural programs
- Public outreach to promote awareness about INA and revolutionary nationalism
These efforts reinforce Netaji’s enduring influence on India’s political and cultural consciousness.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: Key Contributions for UPSC Aspirants
Leadership in the Indian National Congress
Netaji played a pivotal role in shaping Congress politics:
- President at Haripura Session (1938) – Advocated industrialization and strong central planning
- President at Tripuri Session (1939) – Resigned due to ideological conflict with Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership
These sessions reflect the ideological divide between constitutional nationalism and revolutionary activism.
Formation of the Forward Bloc
In 1939, Bose founded the Forward Bloc to consolidate left-wing nationalist forces and push for a more radical freedom strategy.
Key Objectives:
- Achieve complete independence
- Mobilize youth and workers
- Promote militant resistance to British rule
Role in Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army – INA)
Netaji reorganized and led the Azad Hind Fauj (INA) to militarily challenge British authority.
Key Achievements:
- Formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (1943)
- Mobilization of Indian expatriates across Southeast Asia
- INA military campaigns in Imphal and Kohima
- Powerful slogans like “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom.”
The INA trials after World War II significantly weakened British authority and accelerated India’s path to independence.
Strategic Alliance with Axis Powers
To secure India’s freedom, Bose sought international support and collaborated with Axis powers (Germany and Japan). While controversial, this reflects his pragmatic and strategic approach to ending colonial rule.
Renaming of Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Honoring Netaji’s Legacy
To commemorate Netaji’s historical contributions, India renamed several islands in 2018:
- Ross Island → Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep
- Neil Island → Shaheed Dweep
- Havelock Island → Swaraj Dweep
In 2024, Port Blair was officially renamed Sri Vijyapuram, symbolizing India’s nationalist pride and cultural decolonization.
These changes emphasize India’s commitment to honoring freedom fighters and restoring indigenous identity.
Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026
Coinciding with Parakram Diwas, the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 was announced to recognize excellence in disaster management and resilience.
Awardees for 2026:
Institutional Award:
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Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) — For exemplary disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Individual Award:
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Lt. Col. Seeta Ashok Shelke — Honored for her heroic role during the Wayanad landslides, demonstrating courage, leadership, and commitment to public safety.
This award reflects Netaji’s values of bravery, service, and nation-first leadership.
Relevance for UPSC Current Affairs and GS Papers
GS Paper I – Modern Indian History
- Indian National Movement
- Role of Subhas Chandra Bose
- INA and revolutionary nationalism
GS Paper II – Governance and National Initiatives
- Government commemorations and national observances
- Cultural policy and heritage promotion
GS Paper III – Disaster Management
- Disaster resilience frameworks
- Role of SSDMA and national awards
Essay & Ethics (GS IV)
- Leadership, sacrifice, patriotism
- Courage in public life
- Ethical dilemmas in political struggle
Key Takeaways for Aspirants
- Parakram Diwas commemorates Netaji’s legacy of valor and sacrifice
- Cultural and archival initiatives deepen historical awareness
- Netaji’s ideology represents militant nationalism and global diplomacy
- Island renaming reflects decolonization and historical recognition
- Disaster management awards highlight service-oriented leadership
Conclusion
Parakram Diwas 2026 stands as a powerful tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s revolutionary vision and fearless patriotism. Through theatrical productions, archival exhibitions, digital initiatives, and national awards, India continues to preserve and promote his enduring legacy.
For UPSC aspirants, this observance offers critical insights into India’s freedom struggle, political leadership, nationalist ideology, and governance ethics—making it a high-value topic for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.
FAQs — Parakram Diwas 2026
Q1. What is Parakram Diwas?
Parakram Diwas is observed on January 23 to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and celebrate his courage, leadership, and contribution to India’s freedom struggle.
Q2. When was Parakram Diwas declared by the Government of India?
The Government of India declared January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 to inspire citizens, especially youth, with Netaji’s values of valor and patriotism.
Q3. What are the major events of Parakram Diwas 2026?
Key events include a theatrical production “Netaji” by the National School of Drama in Sri Vijyapuram and an archival exhibition “Subhash Abhinandan” by the National Archives of India.
Q4. Why is Sri Vijyapuram important in Netaji’s legacy?
Sri Vijyapuram (formerly Port Blair) is historically significant because Netaji hoisted the Indian Tricolour there in 1943, marking a symbolic assertion of Indian sovereignty.
Q5. What is the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar?
It is a national award recognizing excellence in disaster management, announced annually on Parakram Diwas.
Q6. Who are the awardees of the 2026 Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar?
- Institutional Award: Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
- Individual Award: Lt. Col. Seeta Ashok Shelke for her role in the Wayanad landslides
Q7. Why is Netaji important for UPSC preparation?
Netaji’s role in the INA, Forward Bloc, Congress sessions (Haripura and Tripuri), and his revolutionary strategy are key topics in Modern Indian History and Current Affairs.
