'Spirit Has Changed': PM Modi Inaugurates Delhi's Kartavya Path & Netaji Statue

A large number of attendees, including VVIPs are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of the revamped Central Vista on Thursday, 8 September. 

(Photo: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the all-new 'Kartavya Path' in New Delhi on Thursday, 8 September. During the inauguration, Modi said that "Rajpath was for the British for whom the people of India were slaves. It was a symbol of colonialism. Now, its architecture has changed, and its spirit has also changed."

PM Modi also unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the India Gate, along with an exhibition showcasing the before and after visuals of the Central Vista Avenue.

Following the inauguration, it will be made open to the public.

A large number of people, including VVIPs and other invitees, attended the inauguration ceremony.

'Kingsway or Rajpath Was a Symbol of Slavery': Modi

During his inauguration speech, the PM also said that the Kingsway or Rajpath was a symbol of slavery and has now been consigned to history.

After inaugurating Netaji's statue, Modi said "We took many decisions in last 8 years which have imprints of Netaji's ideals and dreams."

He further added that changes made by his government are not limited to symbols but are a part of policies.

"If India had followed path shown by Subhas Chandra Bose, then country would have reached a new high, sadly he was forgotten."

PM Narendra Modi

Modi also thanked workers involved in the development of the Kartavya Path, saying that they not only built it but also showed others way of 'kartavya' (duty).

Furthermore, he said that all those engaged in constructing the new Parliament building will have special gallery dedicated to them.

'Hope His Ashes Are Brought Back to India': Netaji's Daughter Anita Bose Pfaff

Anita Bose Pfaff, the daughter of Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, also said that Netaji's statue at India Gate has "great symbolic value."

"Netaji's statue will be replacing King George V's statue, it is of great symbolic value that India has moved to place one of the important leaders of freedom struggle at such place where colonial powers once rested," Anita Bose Pfaff said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

She further added that she was glad that Indian countrymen had retained Netaji's name and memory after so many decades.

"People remember him even when his role in the independence struggle was not really, officially recognised so much. But he played an important role in forming India," she said

"He could not set foot in free India. I wish at least his remains return to his motherland and find a final resting place... Documentation is proof that he died on 18 August 1945 in plane crash in present-day Taiwan. I hope his ashes are brought back to the country," she added.

Ahead of the inauguration, a number of pictures showing glimpses of the redeveloped corridor were published online.

Aerial view of the Central Vista.

Central Vista lawns.

(Photo: PTI)

Central Vista walkways.

Central Vista walkways.

Central Vista walkways.

View of the revamped Central Vista Avenue on Wednesday, the eve of its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Installation of the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is underway at the India Gate, a day ahead of the inauguration of the Central Vista in New Delhi, Wednesday.

(Photo: PTI)

(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)