In a significant move towards erasing colonial legacies and celebrating India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced today that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will henceforth be known as “Sri Vijaya Puram” . This decision, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to rid the nation of colonial imprints, marks a pivotal moment in India’s ongoing effort to reclaim its identity.
The name “Sri Vijaya Puram” is not just a change in nomenclature but a symbol of victory and freedom, reflecting the islands’ crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, have been a focal point of historical significance, serving as a naval base during the Chola Empire’s era and later becoming a critical site during India’s freedom struggle.
Amit Shah highlighted the historical importance of the islands, stating, “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.” This renaming, therefore, serves not only to honor the past but also to position the islands as a critical base for India’s strategic and developmental aspirations in the future.
The decision to rename Port Blair has been met with a mix of reactions on social platforms like X, where users expressed both support for decolonization efforts and nostalgia for the old name. However, the overarching sentiment seems to lean towards appreciation for the government’s move to reconnect with India’s pre-colonial history.
This isn’t the first instance of such a renaming initiative by the Modi government. Previously, islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group were renamed to honor figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, reflecting a broader policy of cultural and historical reclamation.
The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram is more than just a change in the city’s identity; it’s a statement on India’s journey towards complete decolonization, aiming to instill a sense of pride in its historical legacy while moving forward with contemporary strategic goals. This move underscores the government’s commitment to breaking free from the colonial mindset and embracing a future where India’s past glories are not just remembered but celebrated in everyday life.
