New Delhi: Port Blair, the capital of Union Territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been renamed as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ by the Central government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the announcement on Friday. Port Blair is popular for the infamous Cellular Jail National Memorial, which was once a prison where many freedom fighters.
Amit Shah said that the earlier name had a colonial legacy, while the new name symbolises the victory of India's freedom struggle. Port Blair was named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British Navy official of the East India Company.
"Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji, to free the nation from the colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram." While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands' unique role in the same," Amit Shah posted on X.
"Andaman & Nicobar Islands have an unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history. The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation," he added.
Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sri Vijaya Puram honoured the rich history and heroic people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. "It also reflects our commitment to break free from the colonial mindset and celebrate our heritage," he tweeted.
Earlier in 2018, the central government had renamed three islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The three islands — Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island — were renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, respectively.
Hailing central government's decision, Anil Tiwari, BJP State Secretary and Convener of Andaman and Nicobar Islands said, "We are thankful to the Government of India for this step of renaming Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram. This historic decision is a testament to the vision and commitment to honouring our nation's rich heritage. The renaming of Port Blair is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and a significant step towards preserving our cultural identity."