Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 10: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday launched the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasising that the country’s unity remains inseparable from its shared history, national identity and patriotic spirit.
Addressing a gathering at the DBRAIT Auditorium, Radhakrishnan said, “Bharat is one and will always remain one,” while highlighting the role of the national flag in bringing citizens together.
Recalling the words of Tamil nationalist poet Subramania Bharati, the Vice President said his head would never bow except before the national flag of Mother Bharat. He said the campaign carries forward this sentiment by encouraging people across the country to unite under the Tricolour.
The launch in the islands held special significance as it came around Quit India Movement Day, which commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s call for the British to leave India in 1942. Radhakrishnan described the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as sacred ground because of their deep connection with the freedom struggle.
Paying tribute to the thousands of freedom fighters imprisoned in the islands, he recalled the harsh conditions, forced labour and inhuman treatment they endured under the colonial era “Kalapani” punishment.
The Vice President also referred to the Cellular Jail as an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice. He remembered freedom fighters such as Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt and Sachindra Nath Sanyal, whose struggles remain an important part of India’s national memory.
Radhakrishnan recalled another landmark moment in the islands’ history when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolour at Sri Vijaya Puram on December 30, 1943. He described the occasion as a powerful expression of India’s determination to achieve independence.
During the programme, Radhakrishnan also hoisted the National Flag at Flag Point in Sri Vijaya Puram as part of the campaign.
Highlighting the diverse social fabric of the Union Territory, he described the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as “Mini India”, noting that people originating from different parts of the country live together across its 31 inhabited islands.
According to the Vice President, the islands demonstrate the principle of “unity in diversity” and embody the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.
He also acknowledged the presence of six tribal communities in the territory, including five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. He appreciated initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, skills and livelihood opportunities while protecting the communities’ cultural heritage.
Radhakrishnan further highlighted development efforts in the islands, including improvements in connectivity, healthcare and education. He referred to the submarine optical fibre cable project, the integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport, ANIIMS and Government Law College.
He also mentioned ongoing connectivity projects and the Great Nicobar Island Development Project as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure in the Union Territory.
Speaking about India’s ambition to become a developed nation, the Vice President said the country’s objective was not to dominate other nations or impose its will on them. Instead, he said India should become strong enough to ensure that no external power could dictate terms to it.
He stressed that India’s tradition of generosity should continue while national interests must be protected through constant vigilance.
Radhakrishnan concluded by calling upon citizens to draw lasting inspiration from the sacrifices of freedom fighters and allow the Tricolour to serve as a symbol of courage, unity and hope.
The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (Retd), Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Chairperson M Vasanta and South Andaman Zilla Parishad Adhyaksh P Umar, among other dignitaries.