Port Blair, Aug 04: As part of Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations the Victory Flame was taken to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, formerly Ross Islands under the aegis of the Naval Component of Andaman and Nicobar Command. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island is situated 3 Km East of Central Port Blair and has a rich heritage as an important British settlement. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had hoisted the National tricolor in December 1943, at this place which was a pivotal turning point during our freedom struggle against British Colonial Rule.
Commemorating the 75th year of the historic event, our Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi renamed Ross Island as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island on 30 Dec 2018. To spread awareness and highlight the significance of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, the Victory Flame was taken to the Islands on 04 Aug 21. The Victory Flame was accorded full ceremonial honours alongwith wreath laying and salutations by the Indian Navy Guard as a tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 war at the ‘Lone Sailor Statue’.
The “Lone Sailor Statue” overlooking the approach to Port Blair harbour is said to be on ‘eternal watch’ at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, to honour those who put up a gallant act at sea and did not return. In the context of the 1971 war, this was conducted to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice by Officers and Sailors of INS Khukri, including the Commanding Officer Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla (MVC posthumous) who chose to go down with his ship embracing a legendary Naval tradition. After visiting the Island, the Victory Flame came back to Port Blair Jetty. All COVID-19 protocol measures were followed by the personnel present at the event.
