Imphal, Sep 8: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday paid tributes to legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the INA Martyrs' Memorial Complex in Manipur's Bishnupur district, an official said.
Radhakrishnan visited the historic flag-hoisting site at Moirang Kangla, where the Indian National Army (INA) under the leadership of Bose hoisted the Tricolour for the first time on Indian soil on April 14, 1944, he said.
"The vice president also toured the INA War Museum gallery commemorating the valour and sacrifice of the INA. He also paid floral tributes to the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the complex," the official said.
The museum, which has a collection of letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other war memorabilia, reminds visitors of the noble sacrifices made by the INA soldiers under the leadership of Bose.
The vice president was accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken and MLA Th Shanti.
Radhakrishnan also visited Sainik School in Imphal.
"The vice president visited Sainik School Imphal, where he paid floral tribute at the War Memorial and was accorded a guard of honour by the cadets. He joined them for lunch at the mess and subsequently addressed and interacted with them," the official said.
Addressing the cadets, Radhakrishnan said the institution’s 55-year journey represents "years of dedication, discipline, sacrifice, learning, achievement and service to the nation".
The vice president emphasised that the true legacy of an institution is "reflected not merely in its buildings or records, but in the character of its students and alumni".
He called upon the cadets to particularly develop discipline, courage and leadership.
Radhakrishnan urged them to "carry these values into whichever profession they choose, whether the Armed Forces, medicine, engineering, science, administration, entrepreneurship, teaching, sports or other fields".
Earlier in the day, the vice president was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Imphal airport.
Radhakrishnan, who had come here from Assam, left Manipur on Tuesday for Arunachal Pradesh's Itanagar, the official said.
