“The spirit of sacrifice, bravery and adventurism that Netaji gave to our armed forces is a gift to generations of Indians to come forever. Our people are most accommodative and welcoming, whether in Nagaland, Kashmir, South or North,” said Retd Lt Gen MA Zaki and present Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University Delhi in his address at Hyderabad on 23 rd January, 2017.
The retired General was speaking on the occasion of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s 120th birth anniversary organised by Samskruthi Foundation at the huge national flag premises in Sanjeevaih Park in the city.
Lt Gen MA Zaki (Retd) added, “Safety, honor and welfare of the country first, of the men second and of the self last. Fearlessness and selfless sacrifice are paramount in army. Every Indian is patriotic unless he proves otherwise. After 1962 defeat we have vowed that we will win the next war. We say we are warriors and fighting is our dharma.
“Protect the weak and master the weapons of war is the culture of army. Izzat or prestige of platoon, is biggest for any soldier and national respect is first for all soldiers of Indian Army. My soldiers, my officers and my countrymen give utmost respect to services that I rendered to this great nation with 5000 more than years of history and heritage,” he further said.
Recalling his association with army, the retired General proudly asserted, “I am from the family of armed forces for 4 generations. I participated in 1965 war and 1971 war. I got injured grievously. I served every corner of India being an officer of the Maratha Regiment.
He also suggested students to “Join the Indian Armed Forces, the finest and most diverse army in the world. It is one of the most fulfilling ways of living a complete life in service of the nation. It’s an excellent career option providing a very satisfying life.”
The Kargil war hero and an expert on defence affairs, Lt Gen (Rtd) ARK Reddy, in his address said “the sovereignty and security of India are safe in the hands of dedicated armed forces. Support of country’s youth would strengthen the sense of fulfilment in families of martyrs from armed forces. Strength leads to strength and weakness leads to weakness, as Swami Vivekananda said and Subhash Chandra Bose firmly believed we need to strengthen our armed forces with the latest equipment and strategies of warfare especially in the context of belligerent neighbours that India has. Proactive mode of action builds from strength and long term peace with neighbours.”
“Swami Vivekananda believed that youth are the pillars of society who have the power and potential to transform our nation’s destiny by focusing on their self-development, community development and nation building. This campaign spanning the birthday of Swami Vivekananda 12th January, the birthday of Netaji 23rd January to Republic Day 26th January is being organised to promote student level activities and initiatives in ‘Be Good and Do Good’ will spread to all students across the nation in coming years and make this country youth a pride for all of us” said Swami Bodhamayananda, director of Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence, Ramakrishna Mutt.
The swamy ji further added “Head to think, heart to feel and hands to work are required. Mother India is crying and we need to serve her. He spent 3 days and 3 nights in Kanyakumari in meditation and declared that India is my God by meditating on the past, present and future were the inspiring words of Swami Vivekananda”
“Vivek Band BE GOOD-DO GOOD Campaign is being organized by Samskruthi Foundation to take Swamiji’s legacy forward by engaging youth in a positive manner and recognize their potential in nation building. Swami Vivekananda was a symbol of inspiration and Netaji was a symbol of action. It is the mix of both that the youth need today. Swamiji’s inspiration imprint was there on many leaders in the Indian independence movement. The huge national flag in Sanjivaiah Park in Hyderabad is a symbol of integration of this part of the country into the nation based on the historic cultural aspects. The program is raising awareness amongst youth on their character building, social responsibility and leadership development” said C Uma Maheswara Rao former Principal Secretary to CM.
“Subhas Chandra Bose doesn’t find the required level of presence in history books of India for all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. We can’t promote nationalism leaving the national leaders” said Dr K Laxman MLA while greeting the gathering.
Introducing the programme Vamsha Tilak said more than 10 lakh students from over 500 colleges in GHMC are participating in the programme. Vote of thanks was proposed by Ravi Shankar Chavali, Chief Coordinator from the organisation. Earlier in the day Pushpanjali, offering floral tributes to Subhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, was conducted by the students from various colleges in the twin cities in which all participants took part. The efforts of colleges which took part in the campaign were recognised by the organisers by presenting mementos.
