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'

The 52nd Chief Justice of India

The official appointment of Justice BR Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, is a momentous occasion for a variety of reasons. From legal buffs to UPSC aspirants to the gener

A ₹3,706 Cr Vision for UP’s Growth

2025 appears to be a pivotal year for the electronics and manufacturing sector in India, with Uttar Pradesh being particularly affected. As their 2025 development plans gain momentum, the Indian g

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs in India

India’s startup boom is reshaping industries, and thankfully, it’s opening doors for female entrepreneurs in India to become job creators, leaders, and change-makers. However, despite

India’s Economy Needs a Reboot

Sabeer Bhatia on India’s Economy Commonly understood as the foundation of economic growth measures, an Indian IT visionary is challenging the fundamental basis of this perspective. When Sab

India’s University Vacancies in 2025 Explained

India's university system is undergoing significant changes with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Many respected companies still lack a permanent chief executive offic

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy Heats Up in 2025

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy: What You Need to Know Every day brings with it new debates and developments. But some controversies go deeper—touching not just legal or political aspects, b

Indian Railways and the RTC Power Mode

Indian Railways' Green Shift with RTC Power Model The Indian Railways is not just a lifeline for millions—it’s now becoming a beacon of sustainability. With a sharp focus on

India's Defence Exports in 2024-2025

Record Growth in Defence Exports In the financial year 2024-25, India's defence exports in 2024-2025 reached a historic milestone of ₹23,622 crore (approximately US$2.76 billion), marking a

New Waqf Bill 2025

Waqf Bill 2025 Introduced in Parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced in New Delhi by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in April 2025, was intensely debated in the

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5%

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5% Across National Highways April 1, 2025: Commuters on national highways will now have to pay higher toll fees as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) hik