Fri Sep 13 16:57:38 UTC 2024: ## Port Blair Renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram: A Symbolic Shift Away From Colonial Past
**New Delhi:** In a significant move aimed at erasing colonial remnants, the Indian government has renamed Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, as Sri Vijaya Puram. The decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who emphasized the need to liberate the nation from colonial imprints.
“Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle,” said Shah, contrasting the colonial legacy of the previous name with the new moniker. He further highlighted the islands’ historical significance, emphasizing their role as a naval base for the Chola Empire and their strategic importance today.
Shah also recalled the historical importance of the islands in the Indian independence movement. He noted that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian flag in Port Blair, and the Cellular Jail, where many freedom fighters and political prisoners were incarcerated, stands as a testament to the struggle for independence.
The renaming of Port Blair marks a significant shift in India’s continued efforts to shed its colonial past. The city was named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British naval officer from the East India Company. Sri Vijaya Puram, on the other hand, signifies the victory of the Indian people and their struggle for freedom.
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