Fri Sep 13 14:47:32 UTC 2024: ## Port Blair Renamed to Sri Vijaya Puram to Erase Colonial Legacy
**Port Blair, India:** In a move aimed at freeing the nation from colonial imprints, the Indian government has renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to **Sri Vijaya Puram**. The new name, which translates to “City of Victory”, honors the island’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that the previous name had colonial origins. “Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the unique role of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
The decision marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to remove colonial-era legacies. Port Blair, previously named after a British East India Company officer, Captain Archibald Blair, was a crucial entry point into the islands. It also housed the infamous Cellular Jail, where many Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned and tortured by the British.
“The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a unique place in our history, a place that played a vital role in our freedom struggle,” Shah further added. “Once a naval base for the Chola empire, these islands have now become a critical location for our strategic and developmental aspirations.”
The renaming follows a series of similar actions by the government to remove colonial imprints. In July, the iconic Darbar Hall and Ashok Hall in the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) were renamed the Ganatantra Mandapam and Ashok Mandapam, respectively. Additionally, the Indian Navy has also been phasing out colonial-era practices, including the use of canes by naval personnel.
The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram signifies a growing effort by India to reclaim its cultural identity and eliminate remnants of its colonial past.
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