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The Indian government recently renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram as part of its efforts to honor India’s history and move away from colonial associations. The decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to rid India of remnants of its colonial past while celebrating the nation’s heritage and cultural richness.
The name Sri Vijaya Puram reflects the historical importance of the islands, particularly their connection to India's freedom struggle. The Andaman Islands, notably home to the infamous Cellular Jail (Kala Pani), were a site where many Indian freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt, were imprisoned during British rule. By renaming Port Blair, the government seeks to honor these heroes and their sacrifice, while also emphasizing the indigenous and cultural significance of the region.
This renaming follows a pattern set by the government, which in recent years has renamed several places across India to reflect their pre-colonial or indigenous heritage. For instance, in January 2023, Ross Island in the Andamans was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, a nod to the leader’s pivotal role in India's independence movement and his association with the islands.
The renaming has been welcomed by various political leaders, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who lauded the effort to move away from symbols of colonial rule and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also expressed support, noting that the name change commemorates the island’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
In essence, the rechristening of Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram is not just a symbolic move but a step toward reclaiming India's historical narrative and recognizing the contributions of the region in the broader context of Indian history and the independence movement.
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