Indian Government Renamed Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram

The Indian government has announced the renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram, marking the victory achieved in India's freedom struggle. The renaming aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to remove colonial legacies.

The Renaming Decision and Its Rationale

On September 13, 2024, the Indian government announced the renaming of Andman & Nikobar Capital Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram
Union Home Minister Amit Shah made the declaration via social media
The decision aims to free the nation from colonial imprints
Sri Vijaya Puram symbolizes the victory achieved in India's freedom struggle
The new name highlights the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' unique role in the independence movement
The renaming aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to remove colonial legacies
Port Blair was originally named after Captain Archibald Blair, an East India Company official in the British colonial navy

Historical Significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The islands have an "unparalleled place" in India's freedom struggle and history
Once served as a naval base for the Chola Empire
Hosted the first unfurling of the Indian flag (Tiranga) by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Home to the cellular jail where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar were imprisoned

Currently houses important military installations:

- INS Jarawa, a crucial naval base for the Indian Navy
- Sea and air bases for the Indian Coast Guard
- Headquarters for the Andaman and Nicobar Police
- Andaman and Nicobar Command, the first joint command of Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy
The islands are poised to be a critical base for India's strategic and development aspirations

Context of Decolonization Efforts

The renaming is part of a broader initiative to remove colonial-era names across India
Previous renaming efforts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands include:
- 21 largest unnamed islands named after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees in 2023
- Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
- Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
- Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep
In July 2024, the government renamed halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan:
- 'Durbar Hall' changed to 'Ganatantra Mandap'
- 'Ashok Hall' changed to 'Ashok Mandap'

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