118th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose observed

KOLKATA: West Bengal today observed the 118th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose by paying glowing tribute to his memory at functions held throughout the state in which speakers called for declaring the day as the 'National Patriotism Day'.

Holding portraits of Netaji and singing patriotic songs, people in large numbers took part in "prabhat pheris" (morning processions) in different parts of the state.

Floral tributes were paid to the freedom fighter at a function at his ancestral residence at Kodalia in South 24-Parganas district.

People from all walks of life visited Netaji Bhawan in the city since early in the morning to pay their homage.

Several state ministers and leaders from different parties, including CPI(M), CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc, paid their tribute garlanding Netaji's statue at Red Road (Indira Sarani).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid her tribute at a programme held at Darjeeling today.

On Twitter, she expressed pride on being born in the same state as Netaji: "Today we are celebrating the 118th birth anniversary of one of the most inspirational persons in Indian history - Subhas Chandra Bose."

"Netaji's birthday is being celebrated across the state. I am happy to be in Darjeeling to celebrate the birthday of the great son of India," Banerjee tweeted.

Left Front chairman Biman Bose today reiterated the front's demand for declaring Netaji's birthday as 'National Patriotism Day'.

"We've written to the Prime Minister as well as to our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to declare Netaji's birthday as 'Desh Prem Divas' but they have not done so. We want to inculcate patriotism in the young generation," Bose said after paying his tribute to Netaji.