Guwahati: Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday visited INA Martyrs’ Memorial at Moirang in Manipur, paying homage to the valour and sacrifice of Indian National Army (INA). As the VP visited the historic Moirang Kangla, he paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at his statue.Moirang Kangla is the site where INA, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, first hoisted the Tricolour on Indian soil on April 14, 1944.From Assam, Radhakrishnan arrived in Imphal on Tuesday as part of his four-day Northeast tour and was accorded a warm welcome by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, CM Y Khemchand Singh and senior state officials. He was also given a Guard of Honour at the airport. Immediately after his arrival, Radhakrishnan visited INA Martyrs’ Memorial Complex in Moirang, Bishnupur district, where he was received by Manipur Governor, home minister Govindas Konthoujam, art and culture minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti Singh and senior state govt officials.Radhakrishnan highlighted INA’s significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle, recalling that freedom fighters from across the country, including Tamil Nadu, joined the force and laid down their lives for the nation. Referring to his recent visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had unfurled the Tricolour, he said such historic places serve as enduring reminders to the younger generation of the courage, patriotism and sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.Later, he attended a function at Vikram Batra Auditorium of Sainik School, Pangei, in Imphal East district.Stressing the role of national unity, Radhakrishnan said India’s diverse languages, traditions and regions are bound by a common national identity. He underlined the contribution of Sainik Schools in promoting the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, where students from varied backgrounds live, learn, train and play together.He urged the cadets of Sainik School, Imphal, to preserve the timeless values of discipline, integrity and patriotism while also becoming adaptable, innovative and technologically aware. He mentioned emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, cybersecurity and robotics as areas offering new opportunities to the younger generation.
