Sri Vijaya Puram, December 30, 2025
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday observed the 82nd anniversary of the first-ever hoisting of the Tricolour on Indian soil, a historic event carried out by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 30 December 1943. The commemoration was marked by a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), honouring a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle.
Presiding over the ceremony, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) unfurled the Tricolour, reaffirming its symbolic legacy of freedom and perseverance. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS; DGP Mr. H.G.S. Dhaliwal, IPS; PCCF Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS; Adhyaksh ZPSA Mr. Prakash Adhikari, councillors, officers and members of the public were present on the occasion.
On 30 December 1943, during World War II, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose — as leader of the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) and Supreme Commander of the Indian National Army (INA) — landed in Port Blair. With support from the Japanese forces occupying the islands at the time, he unfurled the Tricolour at what was then known as Gymkhana Ground (now Netaji Stadium) and declared the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the first Indian territory liberated from British rule.
This act, occurring four years before India’s formal independence in 1947, was both symbolic and strategic. It fulfilled Netaji’s promise that the INA would set foot on Indian soil before the end of 1943 — a bold assertion of self-rule under the Provisional Government of Free India. The event remains a potent emblem of resistance and national aspiration.
The annual commemoration continues to inspire patriotism, unity and collective pride among citizens of the Islands and visitors alike. The ceremony honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the enduring spirit of the struggle for India’s independence.
