Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 02 December 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has initiated a large-scale exercise to assign names to previously unnamed islands and rock formations across the archipelago. The initiative also includes the standardization of names where similarities currently exist. Out of the total 836 islands and rocks that form the Andaman & Nicobar group, 596 have been identified for naming under this exercise.
To ensure that the naming process reflects the cultural, historical and ecological identity of the islands, the administration has invited suggestions from the public. Tribal communities, ex-servicemen, students, teachers, historians, researchers, environmentalists and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate and contribute meaningful suggestions.
The administration has indicated that proposed names may draw inspiration from various sources, including indigenous tribal heritage, national freedom fighters, martyrs, prominent personalities, local flora and fauna, geographical characteristics, or historically significant events of national relevance. Each suggested name must be accompanied by a brief justification not exceeding 200 words.
Suggestions may be submitted within 15 days from the publication of the official notice. Entries can be sent by hand, through registered post, or via email to artand.culture@and.nic.in. Postal submissions should be addressed to The Director, Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration, Cellular Jail Complex, Atlanta Point – 744101. The initiative has been issued in public interest by the Department of Art & Culture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
