Sat Sep 14 07:48:10 UTC 2024: ## Port Blair Renamed ‘Sri Vijay Puram’ in Honour of Independence Struggle
**New Delhi:** In a significant move, the Union Home Ministry has officially renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as **Sri Vijay Puram**. The decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on X, formerly known as Twitter, and is seen as a step towards freeing India from colonial legacies.
The renaming is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to shed the remnants of colonial rule and celebrate India’s rich heritage. The new name, **Sri Vijay Puram**, signifies the victory achieved during the independence struggle and the vital role played by the islands.
Amit Shah highlighted the historical significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasizing their role as a naval base during the Chola dynasty and their current importance in India’s strategic and developmental aspirations. He also underscored the connection of the region to the freedom struggle, citing the hoisting of the Indian flag by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar endured imprisonment for the cause of independence.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the new name honors the rich history and courageous people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He further underlined the move as a commitment to dismantling colonial mentalities and embracing India’s heritage.
First Piper 