The Indian Prime Minister recently inaugurated the ‘Kartavya Path’ and unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at India Gate, marking significant steps in the nation’s journey. The granite statue of Netaji is a testament to his immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Meticulously crafted by Shri Arun Yogiraj, the statue is 28 feet tall, carved from a monolithic granite stone, and weighs 65 metric tonnes.
Transformation from Rajpath to Kartavya Path
Kartavya Path symbolises the shift away from viewing Rajpath as an icon of power, towards a focus on public ownership and empowerment. These changes align with the Prime Minister’s second ‘Panch Pran’ delivered during the 75th Independence Day in 2022, aimed at eliminating traces of colonial mindset.
Rationale for Revamping Rajpath
Rajpath and the surrounding Central Vista Avenue have been under pressure due to increasing visitor traffic, leading to strain on infrastructure and amenities. The area lacked facilities such as public toilets, drinking water and adequate parking space. Further, poor maintenance of water features, inadequate signage, and disorganised parking were also issues. The redesign acknowledges these concerns while maintaining the integrity and continuity of its architectural character.
The History of Rajpath
Built over a hundred years ago under British rule as a ceremonial boulevard by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, Rajpath was originally called Kingsway. The capital of British India was shifted from Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911. The modern imperial city was planned around a “ceremonial axis”, named Kingsway. After achieving independence in 1947, it was renamed Rajpath, and has been the annual venue for Republic Day parades.
Understanding Kartavya Path and its Significance
The stretch from the Netaji statue under the Grand Canopy to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is now known as Kartavya Path. This includes erstwhile Rajpath and Central Vista lawns. The area will be enhanced with landscaped walkways, green spaces, refurbished canals, amenity blocks, improved signages and vending kiosks.
Key Facts about Subhash Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23rd January 1897 in Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province. His birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Parakram Diwas’. He cleared the Indian Civil Services (ICS) examination in 1919 but later resigned, deeply influenced by Vivekananda’s teachings. He stood for complete independence from British rule, and participated actively in India’s freedom struggle. In 1943, he issued the famous ‘Delhi Chalo’ call and formed the Azad Hind Government and the Indian National Army.
Controversy Surrounding Netaji’s Death
Netaji is believed to have died in 1945 in a plane crash in Taiwan. However, there are several conspiracy theories regarding the circumstances of his death, making it a subject of great controversy and speculation.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
In the 2008 UPSC Civil Services Prelims examination, a question was asked regarding who had raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’ during the Indian Freedom Struggle, with the correct answer being Subhas Chandra Bose. Meanwhile, the 2014 Mains examination featured a question on the ways in which the naval mutiny proved to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India.