Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 September 2024
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has welcomed the Indian government’s historic decision to rename Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to “Sri Vijaya Puram.” The organisation stated that it has always advocated for the renaming of places that carry colonial legacies, emphasising the restoration of India’s proud cultural heritage and traditions.
The VHP highlighted the island’s historical significance, from serving as a naval base during the Chola Empire to being a focal point of India’s independence movement. The press release noted that revolutionary freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose used the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a base for their activities. It also mentioned that the first tricolour was hoisted by Netaji on these very islands.
In light of the island’s contribution to both the security and development of the nation, the VHP sees this renaming as a tribute to India’s freedom fighters. The organisation has been consistently demanding that the island’s name be changed to reflect Indian traditions, rather than honour British officers.
Vishva Hindu Parishad expressed its gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Home Minister for taking this step, which they believe is a true homage to the nation’s heroes.