New Delhi: Recalling the contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to the freedom struggle, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said his far-sighted vision had immense relevance to India's place in the 21st century and in the fight against the forces of communalism and extremism.

Participating in a function to mark the 110th birth anniversary of Netaji, Singh said the spirit of unity infused by one of the tallest leaders of our freedom struggle was required today to take the country forward, especially to pursue a more inclusive and equitable path to social and economic progress.  

"The greatest lesson that we can draw from Netaji's life is the way in which he infused the spirit of unity amongst his men so that they could rise above all religions and provincial barriers and shed together their blood for common cause," said Singh.

"He (Netaji) was in favour of guaranteeing rights to all citizens. But at the same time he stressed on taking special measures for minorities and other disadvantaged sections of society," he said.

As president of the Indian National Congress in 1938, Bose articulated a vision that was of abiding relevance, Singh emphasised.

"Netaji's view that all minority communities be allowed their due space in cultural as well as governmental affairs testified to his humanism and commitment to egalitarian values. A commitment to equity is not appeasement. It is a mark of one's commitment to humanism," he said.

Pointing out that much had been written about the differences between Netaji Subhash Bose and Mahatma Gandhi, Singh said both had a common approach and vision of a free India.

 "It was Netaji who, as the supreme commander of the Indian National Army (INA), had named its various brigades as Nehru Brigade and Azad Brigade. From the battlefield, he sent a message to Gandhiji addressing him, probably for the first time, as the Father of our Nation. He sought Gandhiji's blessings and good wishes for his Herculean endeavours,"  he said.

Quoting Gandhi's article in the 'Harijan', Singh said, "The hypnotism of INA has cast a spell on us. Netaji's name is one to conjure with. His bravery shines above all."

In paying tribute to Netaji's memory, and on the eve of the Republic Day, Singh called on the audience to rededicate themselves to the cause of India's progress.

Among others who participated in the function were former prime minister I.K. Gujral, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Harayan Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders L.K. Advani and Yashwant Sinha, INA veterans and members of the Netaji Azad Hind Fauj Smarak Nyas.