Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has officially been renamed as “Sri Vijaya Puram.” The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, who stated that the move is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing effort to eliminate colonial imprints from the nation.
The city’s original name, Port Blair, was derived from Captain Archibald Blair, a British colonial navy officer. Renaming it to Sri Vijaya Puram is intended to reflect India’s victory in its freedom struggle and honor the significant role that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in the country’s fight for independence.
Amit Shah tweeted, “Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji to free the nation from colonial imprints, we have renamed Port Blair as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram.’ This new name symbolizes the victory achieved in our freedom struggle.”
Shah also highlighted that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an “unparalleled place in our freedom struggle and history,” adding that the region served as a naval base for the Chola Empire and continues to be a critical location for India’s strategic and development goals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the renaming on social media, stating, “Sri Vijaya Puram honors the rich history and heroic people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It reflects our commitment to breaking free from the colonial mindset and celebrating our heritage.”
Other senior BJP leaders, including Union Health Minister JP Nadda and several state chief ministers, praised the decision. Nadda commented that every mention of Sri Vijaya Puram will now serve as a tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.
The renaming of Port Blair follows similar moves by the Modi government to shed colonial legacies and reclaim historical identities. In 2018, the government renamed three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago to honor freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: Ross Island became Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island became Swaraj Dweep.
With this renaming, the government continues its push to restore cultural pride and honor India’s historical roots while erasing colonial legacies that once dominated the nation’s identity.
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