Government renames Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Sri Vijaya Puram

Tags: National News

The central government announced the renaming of Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar Islands as "Sri Vijaya Puram" to shed colonial legacy.

An Overview of the News

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared the decision, emphasizing the importance of the island in India's freedom struggle and history.

Significance of the New Name

• "Vijaya Puram" symbolizes the victory of India's freedom struggle and the unique role played by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in this historic journey.

• The islands once served as the naval base of the Chola Empire, and now play a crucial role in India's strategic and developmental aspirations.

Historical Importance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• The islands are known for being the location where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first unfurled the Indian national flag (Tiranga).

• The Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar were imprisoned, is also located here.

Previous Renaming Initiatives

• In 2018, as part of honoring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, three key islands were renamed:

• Ross Island became "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep."

• Neil Island was renamed "Shaheed Dweep" (Martyr's Island).

• Havelock Island was renamed "Swaraj Dweep" (Self-rule Island).

Constitutional Provision for Changing State and Union Territories Names

• Parliamentary Power: The Parliament has the authority to change the name of a state.

• Constitutional Basis: Article 3 of the Constitution of India grants this power.

• Procedure: Article 3 outlines the procedure for altering the area, boundaries, or name of a state.