The Ministry of Culture will organise ‘Parakram Diwas-2026’ from January 23 to 25 at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to commemorate the 129th birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most revered leaders of the freedom movement. The event will be held simultaneously at 13 other iconic locations across the country associated with different phases of Bose’s life and legacy, positioning the Islands as a central venue in the nationwide observance.
The main function is scheduled to take place on January 23 at Netaji Stadium in Sri Vijaya Puram. The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will attend the programme as the chief guest. As part of the inaugural ceremony, the message of the Prime Minister on the occasion of Parakram Diwas-2026 will be broadcast. The programme is being organised to honour Bose’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and to recall his enduring legacy of courage, sacrifice and patriotism.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a distinct place in India’s freedom movement narrative due to their association with Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army during the final years of the struggle against colonial rule. The selection of Sri Vijaya Puram as one of the principal venues reflects the symbolic importance of the Islands in the national memory linked to Bose’s leadership and vision.
The three-day celebration will feature an extensive cultural programme, including a drone show and performances by eminent artists drawn from different genres of Indian music and performance traditions. The programme will also include performances by school children from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting local participation in a nationally significant commemorative event.
In addition to the main function, exhibitions on the life and legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose will be organised at the ITF Ground on January 24 and 25. The exhibitions will present visual material, historical narratives and milestones associated with Bose’s journey, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with key moments of the freedom movement. Folk performances from different regions of the country will also be held at the venue, reflecting India’s cultural diversity.
Visitors attending the events will have access to island cuisines and a display of traditional handicrafts presented by tribal artists, providing a platform to showcase the cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands alongside the national commemoration. The integration of cultural, historical and community elements has been positioned as a key feature of the programme.
A theatrical performance by the National School of Drama is scheduled on January 24 as part of the celebrations. The inclusion of theatre is intended to present a dramatic tribute to the life and ideals of Subhas Chandra Bose through a narrative format accessible to a wide audience.
Through Parakram Diwas-2026, the Ministry of Culture aims to promote awareness of Bose’s ideals, particularly among younger generations, while reinforcing themes of unity, selfless service and national integration. The celebrations in Sri Vijaya Puram are expected to draw public participation across age groups, marking the Islands’ continued association with a defining chapter of India’s freedom struggle.
