Port Blair – On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram. This change is part of a broader effort to eliminate remnants of colonial influence and honor India’s rich history, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
Amit Shah stated that the decision reflects a commitment to move away from colonial imprints. “Today, inspired by PM @narendramodi Ji’s vision, we rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. The new name symbolizes the triumph achieved through our freedom struggle,” Shah said on X (formerly Twitter).
The former name, Port Blair, was derived from Captain Archibald Blair, a British colonial naval officer. Shah emphasized that Sri Vijaya Puram signifies a victory in the fight for independence and highlights the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ significant role in India’s history.
The islands, which once served as a naval base for the Chola Empire, now play a critical role in India’s strategic and developmental ambitions. “It is also where the Tiranga was first unfurled by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar endured hardships,” Shah added.
The announcement received support from several senior BJP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the renaming, stating that Sri Vijaya Puram honors the islands’ heroic past and reflects a break from colonial legacies. “The name honors the rich history and bravery of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and signifies our commitment to celebrating our heritage,” Modi tweeted.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda also supported the decision, noting that the new name will serve as a tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. “This renaming marks a significant step towards embracing our historical identity and moving beyond colonial echoes,” Nadda wrote.
Chief Ministers from various states also welcomed the change. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a historic day, while Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant described it as a powerful tribute to the spirit of India’s freedom fighters. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the renaming as a commendable move to spotlight the islands’ historical importance and traditions.
This renaming is part of the broader initiative under Modi’s leadership to replace colonial-era names with those that reflect India’s heritage and historical significance.