Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday that the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, has been renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram.
Amit Shah wrote on the social media platform X, "Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to free the nation from all symbols of colonialism, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to rename Port Blair as 'Sri Vijaya Puram.' The name 'Sri Vijaya Puram' reflects our freedom struggle and acknowledges the contribution of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to it."
He stated, "This island has held a unique place in our country's history and freedom struggle. Once a naval base during the Chola Empire, it is now poised to accelerate the nation's security and development. This island is also the site where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the tricolor and where Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters fought for Mother India's independence in the Cellular Jail."
Earlier, in January last year, on the occasion of Parakram Diwas, PM Modi announced that 21 unnamed islands would be named after Param Vir Chakra awardees. Additionally, PM Modi unveiled the model of the National Memorial being constructed on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island. The central government has also approved projects worth ₹72,000 crore for the Nicobar Islands.