“Reflects commitment to break free from colonial mindset”: PM Modi on Port Blair renaming

New Delhi [India], September 13 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the renaming of Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram reflects the government’s commitment to break free from the colonial mindset.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that the name Sri Vijaya Puram honours the rich history and heroic people of Andaman and Nicobar islands.

“It also reflects our commitment to break free from the colonial mindset and celebrate our heritage,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Shah announced the renaming through a post on X, calling it a move inspired by PM Modi’s vision to free the nation from the colonial imprints.

Shah also highlighted the historic importance of the UT and said that it has an “unparalleled place” in freedom struggle and history.

“While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle and the A&N Islands’ unique role in the same,” Shah wrote in his post.

“The island territory that once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire is today poised to be the critical base for our strategic and development aspirations. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar Ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation,” he added.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands BJP Vice President Sanjay Kumar Singh expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the renaming.

Speaking to ANI, Singh dubbed the decision a testament to the government’s commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage and honouring its freedom fighters.

“Today I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for renaming Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. The people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have welcomed the renaming of Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. They see it as a fitting tribute to the region’s rich history and cultural significance,” Singh said.

He also praised the leadership and dedication of PM Modi and Shah in making this “historic gesture” a reality.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also welcomed the central government’s decision to rename Port Blair and said that the renaming is dedicated to highlighting the historical importance of the Union Territory and commended the efforts to free the country from “symbols of slavery.”

“The decision of the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to change the name of Port Blair to ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ is extremely welcome. The naming of Sri Vijayapuram is dedicated to highlighting the historical importance and glorious traditions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The efforts to free the country from the symbols of slavery is commendable,” he said in a post on X.