Darjeeling: Amid controversy over BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, known as Ananta Maharaj, questioning the roles of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj in India’s freedom struggle, Bengal assembly speaker Rathindranath Bose on Thursday visited the Netaji Institute For Asian Studies at Giddha Pahar in Kurseong and announced steps to seek greater recognition for the historic site.Bose said the museum, which preserves Netaji’s association with the Darjeeling hills, should be developed and promoted on the global tourism map.withdrew the Banga Bibhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, earlier conferred on him.“Netaji is in our minds, in our eyes, and in our hearts. We are proud of Netaji. He played a major role in the country’s freedom struggle. There is nothing new to say about his contribution. Whatever the situation may be today, Netaji remains firmly embedded in our minds. Netaji cannot be erased. Such comments about Netaji should not be made. If anyone has committed any wrongdoing, the govt will certainly take action,” Bose said.He urged public figures to speak responsibly about Netaji. “Netaji is a figure of immense respect and emotion for the people. Many people revere him almost like a deity. Therefore, everyone has a responsibility to be careful while making comments about him,” he said.“The museum needs to be brought on to the world map. Tourists from across the country and abroad should know about this historic place and learn about Netaji’s life, his contribution, and his struggle for India’s Independence,” Bose added.Netaji was kept under British house arrest at Giddha Pahar from June to Dec 1936. The residence, bought in 1922 by his elder brother Sarat Chandra Bose, preserves Netaji’s bed, furniture, coat, shoes, clothes, correspondence with Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru and Emily Schenkl, and a quote: “The happiest day in my life will be when I shall become independent and a still happier one when I shall go to Darjeeling.”Museum-in-charge Ganesh Kumar Pradhan welcomed the initiative, saying, “Greater publicity and improvements in infrastructure are, therefore, necessary.”
