Hon’ble Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan Inaugurates the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ by Hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point
Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 9: Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today inaugurated the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ by hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, on the occasion of ‘August Kranti Diwas’, commemorating the Quit India Movement of 1942. Addressing the gathering at the State Function and Tiranga Concert on ‘Vande Mataram’ at the DBRAIT Auditorium, the Hon’ble Vice-President said there could be no more appropriate place to launch the campaign than these historic islands, which are deeply associated with India’s freedom struggle and the history of the Tricolour.
Recalling the immortal words of the great Tamil poet Subramania Bharati, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said Bharati’s celebration of the ‘Mani Kodi’ reflects the eternal courage of the Indian spirit and the glory of the flag of Mother Bharat. He said, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ carries forward this spirit by bringing every citizen together under one National Flag, one motherland and one common destiny.
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters who endured the dreaded Kala Pani, the Hon’ble Vice President said the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are much more than a geographical part of Bharat; they are a sacred land of sacrifice. He paid heartfelt tributes to Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and countless other patriots who suffered in the Cellular Jail, saying their courage, patriotism and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.
The Hon’ble Vice-President recalled that Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of “Do or Die” on August 8, 1942, awakened millions of Indians and gave a decisive impetus to the freedom struggle. He also highlighted the unique place of the islands in the history of the Tricolour, recalling that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag here on December 30, 1943, marking a landmark moment in India’s freedom struggle.
Highlighting the significance of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, Shri Radhakrishnan said the campaign, initiated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has evolved into a nationwide people’s movement. He called upon every citizen to proudly display the Tricolour and imbibe the values of patriotism, unity and collective responsibility that it represents. “Bharat is one and will always remain one,” he affirmed.
The Hon’ble Vice-President highlighted the islands as a living example of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, while acknowledging their rich tribal heritage and recent progress in connectivity, healthcare, education and infrastructure. He said, the Great Nicobar Island Development Project would further strengthen India’s maritime capabilities, connectivity and economic opportunities, while balancing development with environmental conservation.
Emphasizing the need for national strength alongside India’s tradition of peace and generosity, Shri Radhakrishnan said, “India has always been generous, but our generosity should never be mistaken for weakness. We must remain prepared to protect our national interests and sovereignty.” He called upon citizens to let the Tricolour inspire them with courage, unity and hope, and to carry forward the legacy of the freedom fighters in building a stronger and developed Bharat.
The Hon’ble Vice-President also witnessed a cultural programme and visited the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Exhibition, showcasing the spirit of the campaign and its message of national unity and patriotism.
The event was attended by Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, and Vice Chairman Islands Development Agency, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri P. Ummer, Chairperson (SVPMC), Smt. M. Vasantha, senior officers of A&N Administration and others.
In his address on the occasion, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor extended a warm and respectful welcome to Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, on his first visit to these islands as the Hon’ble Vice President holding the second highest constitutional office in the country. “We are deeply honoured by your gracious presence at this event, celebrating the spirit of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and the timeless inspiration of Vande Mataram’s 150th anniversary, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor said.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor said that these islands occupy a sacred place in the country’s freedom struggle. Following the first war of independence in 1857, freedom fighters were deported to these distant shores where the penal settlements, solitary cells, forced labour and gallows witnessed their extraordinary suffering and sacrifice. Veer Savarkar’s incarceration and the historic hunger strike by freedom fighters in the Cellular Jail remain enduring symbols of resistance to the colonial rules.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor said that on 30th of December, 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose unfurled the tricolor here, declaring these islands free from the British rule. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of this historic event, the Hon’ble Prime Minister unveiled the 150-feet high flag post at the Flag Point here on 30th of December, 2018. Carrying forward this proud legacy, the National Flag has now been successfully unfurled across 754 islands, including those named after Paramveer Chakra awardees on the directions of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, reaffirming our commitment towards unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor said that the visit of the Hon’ble Vice President coincides with the visionary transformation these strategically pivotal islands are currently witnessing their historic march towards ‘Viksit Bharat’. On 2nd and 3rd of May, two Guinness World Records in scuba diving were created through unfurling the world’s largest National Flag of 2,400 square metres Underwater and the Tallest Underwater Human Stack of 22 metres, with the objective of honouring the National Flag and promoting the islands as a premier Scuba Diving Hub globally. Introducing a paradigm shift in tourism and hospitality sectors, 12 new scuba diving sites have been opened this year, while four major ecotourism project contracts on PPP mode have been awarded, and 11 more are in the pipeline for internationally benchmarked hospitality facilities across the islands.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor said that our Blue Economy vision brings together sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, maritime connectivity, value addition and the responsible use of ocean resources to create livelihoods and drive long-term growth across the islands. Connectivity is being strengthened through the double-laning of Andaman Trunk Road, construction of bridges, new Greenfield Airports and ports, improving shipping services and regional air connectivity. A 50-megawatt LNG-based power plant is also under implementation for energy security of these islands.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor said, looking at the futuristic vision, the Great Nicobar Island projects, comprising of components of transshipment terminals, Greenfield Airport, township and supporting infrastructure, along with a Greenfield multipurpose deepwater port at Atlanta Bay, shall establish these islands as a major maritime gateway in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, said that today’s State Function celebrates the spirit of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. As the tri-colour flies proudly in our homes and the call of ‘Vande Mataram’ resonates across the country, we have come together to reaffirm our love for the motherland and remember the sacrifices that made our freedom possible, she said.
The Chief Secretary further said that A&N Islands hold a very special place in India’s freedom struggle and have a deep connect with the National Flag. The Chief Secretary said that the A&N Administration has taken the spirit of Har Ghar Tiranga beyond homes and settlements, carrying the tri-colour to the remote and uninhabited islands of the Union Territory.