January 23 is celebrated as Parakram Diwas. It marks the birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. His immense contribution to India’s independence struggle earned him the title of Netaji, which means a revered leader. Many important events happened in the life of this revered leader including his address at the conference of the Bengal Provincial Congress in 1929. This conference was held on the marshy grounds of the Basirhat High School. As revealed by Local 18 Bangla, Netaji arrived at Basirhat High School on a horse-drawn carriage, with the letters GOC (short for commander) on his shirt. He had arrived at the school in the early morning and was welcomed amidst drum beats from Trimohini junction. Netaji stayed at the school for three days and spent one day at Taki near Basirhat as well. A large dais was set up facing the school’s classrooms numbered 13 to 16 on the eastern side. On this dais, Netaji and other prominent figures gave speeches to an enthusiastic audience. The conference received massive support from the people.
Many esteemed dignitaries were present at this meeting. They included Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the President of the Indian National Congress. Jatindra Mohan Sengupta, the President of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee was also present at the conference. A group photograph was also taken with Netaji, C Rajagopalachari, Amritalal Basu, Bhujanga Dhar, Sarat Biswas, and others. There were two important events during the provincial conference. Firstly, the famous rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s patriotic song Amra shakti amra bol amra chatradal (We are the strength, we are the force, we are the band of students) was sung as the opening song. This song instilled a sense of patriotic spirit among the student community. Secondly, Netaji introduced Muzaffar Ahmed at the conference. Muzaffar Ahmed was a renowned political figure, journalist, and co-founder of the Communist Party of India. He was commonly known as Kakababu (uncle), to the public on the same stage at the Congress conference. Ahmed later joined the Communist Party of India.
Basirhat High School was founded on January 24, 1877, in undivided Bengal. It coincided with the birthday of Pulin Behari Das, a notable freedom fighter and revolutionary.
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