On Monday, Indian PM Narendra Modi named the 21 largest islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees, including Major Somnath Sharma, Captain Manoj Pandey, Veer Abdul Hameed, and Subedar Joginder Singh.
Overview
Modi declared that the names of the Islands were also dedicated to the Indian armed forces, who have devoted their lives to national defence operations. Additionally, while virtually participating in an event for Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, the Indian PM launched a plan for the National Memorial to be constructed on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep.
Modi said that “history is being made” by naming the islands after national heroes, inspiring future generations.
He further noted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise a land of “water, nature, environment, effort, bravery, tradition, tourism, enlightenment, and inspiration,” highlighting the region’s potential.
Naming of 21 islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees fills heart of every Indian with pride. https://t.co/tKPawExxMT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2023
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Modi’s announcement as a “source of encouragement” for the armed forces. Speaking at the “Iconic Event Week” in Port Blair, he said that PM Modi was dedicated to making Andaman and Nicobar Islands self-reliant.
Colonial History
The Cellular Jail, or Kala Paani, a British colonial prison in Port Blair, housed several Indian freedom fighters during its decades-long struggle for independence.
Referring to it, PM Modi said during Monday’s virtual address that the voices of heroes that sacrificed their lives “are still heard from the cells of the Cellular Jail today.” He expressed his regrets that the Islands were associated with “symbols of slavery” and not “memories of the freedom struggle.”
But it is also another step to fulfill the pledge of an India that overcomes the colonial mindset. #IndiaHonoursParamveers
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 23, 2023
In 2018, PM Modi visited Port Blair, where he renamed three main islands. Consequently, Ross Island is now called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Havelock and Neil Islands were renamed as Swaraj and Shaheed Islands, respectively. This, too, was seen as a step towards moving past colonial history and celebrating the freedom struggle.
Modi’s Plan for Andaman and Nicobar Islands
In Monday’s address, the Indian PM highlighted the previous governments’ negligence of the region, along with the Northeast and Himalayan states, as the areas were considered “remote, inaccessible, and irrelevant.”
In this regard, Modi recalled his government’s work in doubling the number of tourists visiting Andaman over the eight years from 2014 to 2022. In addition, the Islands saw a spike in employment and income.
परमवीर चक्र के नाम से होंगे Andaman and Nicobar के द्विप के नाम ।
— Purnesh Modi (@purneshmodi) January 23, 2023
जय हिन्द! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/s4gOxn95A1
Modi added that people in mainland India were growing interested in the region’s history and rich tribal tradition. He further highlighted his plan to explore the resources and potential of islands while enhancing their development through digital payments and internet connectivity.
He said, “Now natural balance and modern resources are being taken forward together in the country.”
Significance of the Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are situated at the Malacca Straits and Ten Degree Channel, facilitating trillions of dollars’ worth of trade.
Modi govt is committed to making Andaman and Nicobar Islands Aatmanirbhar.
— BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha (@BJPSTMORCHA) January 24, 2023
Potable water in villages, Submarine Optical Fibre, Solar Plant and Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Islands Project are a few of the developmental schemes Modi govt has provided.
- Shri @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/2Ezm3jAFir
The Islands are also strategically located in the Indo-Pacific. As a result, the Modi government has launched a 15-year plan to set up the Campbell Bay container terminal, allowing cargo to be replenished while crossing the Malacca Straits. This will act as an alternative to the Colombo Port, which China is seeking to extend its influence over.
Due to the significance of the islands, the Modi government has set up a tri-service command at Port Blair.