3 Andaman-Nicobar islands renamed as ‘tribute to Netaji’
Port Blair, December 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep and Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep, Modi said during a speech, amidst thunderous applause from the audience.
The three islands are major tourist spots.
Earlier in the day, he inaugurated a slew of development projects and laid foundation stones of several others related to energy, connectivity, education, tourism and health sectors.
Donning the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) cap, he addressed a public meeting at Netaji Stadium on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the Tricolour by Bose here.
On this day in 1943, Bose had suggested that Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed as Shahid and Swaraj Dweep, respectively. During World War II, the Japanese had captured the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and “Netaji came here as the Azad Hind Fauj led by him was an ally of the Japanese force”. “The historical event of December 30, 1943 has been completed today after 75 years,” PM Modi said.
At the stadium, the PM also released a commemorative stamp, its first-day cover and a Rs-75 coin. He also announced setting up of a deemed university named after Bose. The cells of the Cellular Jail “where great freedom fighters such as Veer Savarkar, Baba Bhan Singh, Indu Bhushan Roy were tortured for years by the British are no less than temples”, the PM said.
On reaching the jail premises, Modi laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column before proceeding towards a cell where Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar spent his days in captivity. The Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, was constructed between 1896 and 1906.
Modi also visited Marina Park and hoisted the national flag on a 150-foot high mast, besides paying floral tribute at Netaji's statue. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tributes to tsunami victims at a memorial in Car Nicobar. — PTI
