Port Blair renamed Sri Vijaya Puram: ‘Gulami se Aazadi.
The Home Minister emphasized that renaming Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram is a significant step in shedding its colonial legacy. He stated that the previous name was a reminder of India’s period under British rule, while the new name symbolizes the triumph and victory of India’s freedom struggle. Sri Vijaya Puram reflects the nation’s independence, honoring the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. The renaming is part of a broader movement to reclaim historical and cultural identities, aligning with India’s efforts to decolonize and celebrate its heritage of resilience and victory over oppression.
Union Government Renames Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram, Amit Shah Announces
The Union government has decided to rename Port Blair, the capital city of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as “Sri Vijaya Puram,” Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday, September 13. The decision is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate colonial imprints from India’s history, and the renaming is intended to honor the significant role the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in the country’s freedom struggle.
A Step Toward Decolonization
Amit Shah highlighted the importance of renaming Port Blair to shed its colonial legacy. He pointed out that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold an “unparalleled place” in India’s freedom struggle, and renaming the capital city is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. The decision aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been actively working to remove colonial remnants from India’s present-day identity.
Symbol of Freedom and Victory
The Home Minister elaborated that while Port Blair’s previous name carried the weight of colonial history, the new name, “Sri Vijaya Puram,” is a symbol of the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle. He stated that renaming the capital city is not just about changing a name but about celebrating the unique and important role that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in the fight for India’s independence.
The islands, which served as a British penal colony during colonial rule, were also where many freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar and other prominent figures, were imprisoned in the infamous Cellular Jail. Shah emphasized that the new name reflects the spirit of liberation and the islands’ critical role in the quest for independence.
Historical Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a rich and complex history, dating back to ancient India. Amit Shah pointed out that the islands once served as a significant naval base for the Chola Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in Indian history. The Cholas were known for their maritime strength, and the islands were strategically important for controlling trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
Today, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to hold strategic importance for India’s naval defense and are poised to become a key base for India’s strategic and developmental aspirations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Shah also touched upon the importance of the islands in modern Indian history, noting that it was here that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first unfurled the Indian national flag, the Tiranga, as a declaration of independence from British rule. The islands became a symbol of resistance and resilience against colonial oppression. The renaming to “Sri Vijaya Puram” honors that spirit of defiance and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
Tribute to Freedom Fighters
Amit Shah mentioned that the renaming also pays homage to the many freedom fighters who struggled for India’s independence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Veer Savarkar, one of the most prominent freedom fighters, was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail, where he endured years of solitary confinement. The Cellular Jail remains one of the most important monuments in India’s history, symbolizing the sacrifices of the many men and women who fought for the country’s liberation.
The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram reflects the government’s desire to recognize and honor the legacy of those freedom fighters and ensure that their contributions are not forgotten.
A Strategic and Developmental Hub
Beyond its historical significance, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also poised to play a critical role in India’s future development. The islands’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes them a key base for India’s defense and economic aspirations, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. Shah noted that renaming the capital city is also a part of this vision, symbolizing the islands’ importance not only in the past but also in India’s future.
Conclusion
The decision to rename Port Blair as “Sri Vijaya Puram” is part of a broader movement by the Union government to decolonize India’s history and celebrate its rich heritage of resistance and independence. The renaming serves as a tribute to the pivotal role the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in the freedom struggle and recognizes the region’s strategic importance in India’s development. By shedding its colonial name, Sri Vijaya Puram is set to become a symbol of India’s victory, resilience, and aspirations for the future.