111th birth anniversary of Netaji observed in Bengal

Kolkata, Jan 23(UNI) The 111th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was observed througout West Bengal today with enthusiasm as people from all sections paid tributes to the patriot.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu and Left Front Chairman Biman Basu were among others who placed wreaths at the feet of Netaji's statue at a function in the city while the Forward Bloc observed the day as 'Patriotism Day' through various programmes.

Speaking at a function organised by Netaji Research Foundation, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the Centre was interested in opening a branch of the bureau in Delhi. ''The Prime Minister is also willing and we will have to make this happen,'' he said.

Mr Mukherjee said it was Netaji's writings that formed the basis of the country's 'Look East policy' to enhance trade with 15 Asian countries to 330 billion dollars.

Different organisations and clubs in various parts of the state also paid floral tributes to Netaji and organised seminars, meetings and other programmes on the occasion.

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