Historic Shift: Port Blair Renamed to ‘Shri Vijaypuram’ in Proud Move

Port Blair Renamed to Vijaypuram : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has officially renamed the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, to Vijaypuram. The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah through a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter).

Shah stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of erasing the remnants of colonial rule, the government has decided to rename Port Blair to “Shri Vijaypuram.” He remarked that this step removes yet another symbol of India’s colonial past.

Port Blair Renamed: Amit Shah explained the previous name

Amit Shah explained that the previous name carried a legacy of colonialism, while Vijaypuram symbolizes the victory achieved during India’s freedom struggle and the unique role played by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in it. He further highlighted the historical significance of the islands, mentioning that this region, once a naval base for the Chola Empire, is now poised to become a strategic and developmental hub for the nation.

The islands hold a special place in India’s freedom movement. It was here that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the tricolor flag for the first time, and the infamous Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar and many others endured great hardships, stands as a symbol of their relentless struggle for independence.