By IANS,
New Delhi : Subhas Chandra Bose still inspires Indians, President Pranab Mukherjee said Wednesday after Netaji’s daughter Anita B. Pfaff presented him the first copy of her book on the freedom fighter.
“Netaji continues to inspire all Indians. The book is a tribute to Netaji, who was one among the greatest leaders of the national movement who devoted and sacrificed their lives to give India her cherished freedom,” said the president.
The book, “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Germany”, has been published by the Federation of the Indo-German Societies of India, set up in 1971 to strengthen ties between India and the then Federal Republic of Germany.
“The book portrays some interesting facets of the life of Netaji and his extraordinary contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Through this book, we feel inspired by the single-minded devotion of Netaji in his efforts for the freedom of his motherland,” said the president.
Recalling his visit to Pfaff’s residence in Augsburg in Germany in 1995, the president said he had the privilege of meeting with three generations of Netaji’s family.
“They had a fascinating and memorable discussion about Netaji,” he said.
Noting that “Netaji’s role in India’s freedom struggle was unique”, the president said: “The fight for India’s independence was also a part of a larger struggle against colonialism and imperialism and creation of a society that would usher in development of the masses in the widest possible sense.”