Rahul Gandhi describes Netaji as 'man of extraordinary courage'

Remembering Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 119th birth anniversary, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described him a man of extraordinary courage, a patriot and a charismatic leader.

"Netaji's contribution to India's freedom struggle will continue to inspire us," tweeted Gandhi.

Earlier, paying homage to Netaji, Congress President Sonia Gandhi remembered the role-played by Netaji in freedom struggle.

Gandhi recalled that the nation as indeed the Congress Party can never forget his contribution to the national struggle for freedom for founding of an independent democratic republic of India.

He will always live in the hearts of all Indians for his patriotic fervour and dedication to the Indian Republic, said Gandhi.

Netaji was born in Cuttack, Odisha. A number of functions have been organised in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. Netaji Birthplace Museum in Cuttack will release a special booklet containing rare photographs and information about Azad Hind Fauj or Indian National Army.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the digital copies of 100 files relating to Netaji.

The National Archives of India is placing these files in public domain after preliminary conservation treatment and digitization.

In 1997, the National Archives had received 990 declassified files pertaining to the Indian National Army from Defence Ministry.

In 2012, it received 1,030 files and items pertaining to the Khosla Commission and Justice Mukherjee Commission of Inquiry from Home Ministry.

All these files and items are already open to the public under the Public Records Rules 1997.