Port Blair : The Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ deep imprint on India’s freedom struggle came alive on Sunday as Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ in the islands by hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point here on August Kranti Diwas, marking the 1942 Quit India Movement. Addressing the State Function and ‘Vande Mataram’ Tiranga Concert at the DBRAIT Auditorium, Radhakrishnan said the islands were an apt venue for the campaign, given their historic association with the freedom movement and the Tricolour.
Describing the islands as a “sacred land of sacrifice”, the Vice-President paid tribute to Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and other freedom fighters who endured imprisonment and immense hardships in the Cellular Jail. He recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call of August 8, 1942, which, he said, gave a decisive impetus to India’s freedom struggle.
The VP also highlighted the islands’ special place in the history of the National Flag, recalling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic hoisting of the Tricolour at Port Blair on December 30, 1943. He said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has grown into a nationwide people’s movement, and urged citizens to proudly display the Tricolour while upholding the ideals of patriotism, unity and collective responsibility.
“Bharat is one and will always remain one,” he said, describing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a living example of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
Referring to the Great Nicobar Island Development Project, the Vice-President said it would strengthen the country’s maritime capabilities, connectivity and economic opportunities while balancing development with environmental conservation.
Emphasising the need for national strength and preparedness, Radhakrishnan said India’s tradition of peace and generosity should never be mistaken for weakness, and called upon citizens to remain prepared to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and national interests. He later attended the cultural programme and visited the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ exhibition, reinforcing the campaign’s message of national unity, patriotism and pride in the Tricolour.
Caption: Tricolour flies high in the Islands: Radhakrishnan launches ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ on August Kranti Diwas
