Sat Sep 14 17:58:43 UTC 2024: ## Port Blair Renamed ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ in Honour of India’s Freedom Struggle

**Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands:** In a significant move to commemorate India’s freedom struggle, the capital city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, has been officially renamed ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’. The announcement was made on September 13th, 2024 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

This renaming is part of a broader initiative to erase colonial legacies from Indian place names and recognize the islands’ crucial role in the nation’s fight for independence. Port Blair was originally named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who played a significant role in establishing British colonial presence in the islands during the 18th century.

The new name, ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’, translates to “City of Glorious Victory”, symbolizing the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle and the contribution of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in that fight. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the islands’ unique place in India’s history, highlighting the hoisting of the Indian tri-colour by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the role of Cellular Jail in housing freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar.

The renaming of Port Blair to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ is viewed as a fitting tribute to the city’s historical significance and its role in shaping the new independent India. It marks a significant step towards shedding the colonial past and embracing the nation’s rich heritage and strategic importance in the region.

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