Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 09: Vice-President of India, Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands yesterday and paid homage to the freedom fighters who endured immense suffering for India’s independence. He laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column, paid tribute at Veer Savarkar’s Cell and visited Swatantra Jyot, the Central Tower, Gallows and the Museum and Exhibition Gallery. He also witnessed the Light and Sound Show depicting the heroic saga of the freedom struggle.
Speaking during the visit, the Vice-President described Veer Savarkar as a unique and fearless revolutionary whose burning patriotism inspired generations of young Indians. Recalling Savarkar’s years of imprisonment and harsh treatment in the National Memorial Cellular Jail, he said, “The purpose of sending freedom fighters to jail was to demoralize them; Savarkar ji never got demoralized. Finally, the British Raj got demoralized.” He also highlighted Savarkar’s contribution to the fight against untouchability and social discrimination.
Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan emphasized that India’s quest to become more powerful is not to dictate terms to others, but to ensure that “we never want to be dictated by anyone in this world, that is what is real freedom.”
Upon his arrival yesterday at INS Utkrosh, Sri Vijaya Puram, Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan was warmly received by Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, and Vice Chairman Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) along with CINCAN, Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Ms. Chanchal Yadav, DGP, Mr. Ravindra Singh Yadav, Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Mr. P. Ummer, Chairperson, SVPMC, Mrs. Vasantha, and senior officers of the A&N Administration. He was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
