The Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold a pivotal place in India’s journey towards independence. Known for the notorious Cellular Jail, or “Kala Pani,” these islands were a fortress of oppression where numerous Indian revolutionaries were imprisoned by the British colonial powers.
Constructed by the British in Port Blair, the Cellular Jail stands as a grim reminder of the harsh realities faced by freedom fighters. This colonial prison was infamous for its severe conditions, where detainees like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Batukeshwar Dutt endured solitary confinement and harsh treatment.
During World War II, the islands found themselves under Japanese occupation. It was during this period that Subhas Chandra Bose, the leader of the Indian National Army (INA), made a historic visit. In December 1943, he hoisted the Indian flag, declaring the islands a liberated territory under the Azad Hind government.
Bose’s presence on the islands was a momentous occasion that resonated deeply with the freedom movement. By raising the Indian tricolour in Port Blair, he not only demonstrated the INA’s dedication to freeing India but also instilled a sense of national pride and resilience among the people.
Today, the legacy of those who suffered and fought for India’s independence is preserved within the walls of the Cellular Jail, now a national memorial. It stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships for the nation’s freedom.
In a move towards shedding the remnants of its colonial past, the central government has announced the renaming of Port Blair to “Sri Vijaya Puram.” This change reflects a broader effort to honor Indian heritage and the island's historical significance in the freedom struggle.
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