New Delhi: The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi today renamed three prominent Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Chain.

Addressing a huge gathering at Port Blair this evening during a public meeting organized after a function to mark 75th anniversary celebration of hoisting of Tricolor by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on Indian soil on December 30, 1943 at Port Blair, the Prime Minister announced renaming of Ross, Neil and Havelock Islands of Andamans.

“We I speak here, a notification is being drafted and now with immense pride I am going to declare it. From now Ross Island will be known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Neil Island will be known as Shaheed Dweep and Havelock Island will be known as Swaraj Dweep,” Mr. Narendra Modi said.
During the public meeting, the Prime Minister also declared a deemed University for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, named as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Deemed University.

The PM reached Andaman on 29th December evening and today after visiting Car Nicobar Islands in the morning, he reached Port Blair late afternoon and visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and
laid wreath at the Martyrs’ Column.

The Prime Minister then dedicated the 150 ft. high Flag Mast at South Point, Port Blair, commemorating the historic event of Hoisting of First Tricolor on Indian Soil by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Port Blair on 30th December 1943.

After paying floral tributes at the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Marina Park, the Prime Minister attended the public function at Netaji Stadium where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for series of projects for the A&N Islands.

The Prime Minister released a commemorative coin with denomination of Rs. 75/- on the themes of Cellular Jail along with the first tricolor hoisting by Netaji. The Commemorative Coin epitomizes the
quintessential spirit of that golden moment in the history when Netaji declared the Islands as the first Indian Territory to be freed from the British Raj.

The Prime Minister during the public function at Netaji Stadium today inaugurated 7MWp Solar Power Plant, Solar Village in South Andaman, State Wide Area Network Project (SWAN) etc. Besides, Port Meadow and Electric Cars were also dedicated to the Nation.

The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for different projects which include Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) Submarine Cable Connectivity Project, 50MW LNG Power Plant at Hope Town, Port Blair, Waste to Energy Plasma Regasification Plant, Port Blair, Up-gradation of Primary Health Centre to District Hospital, Garacharma, Port Blair and 50 bedded AYUSH Hospital at Junglighat, Port Blair.

During the Public Meeting the PM also released the innovation and start-up policy for the islands.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just a symbol of India’s natural beauty, but are also like a place of pilgrimage for Indians. He said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remind us of the collective resolve of our freedom fighters.

He said the Union Government is committed to empowering and developing the islands. He said the development projects unveiled today would further this objective in the field of education, health,
connectivity, tourism and employment.

He said that the Cellular Jail, where thousands of freedom fighters suffered, is no less than a place of worship for him. He said the nation will never forget the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
Earlier, in the morning today, the Prime Minister visited Car Nicobar, where he laid wreath at the Tsunami Memorial and lighted candle at the Wall of Lost Souls and visit of the Museum at Tsunami Memorial. At Car Nicobar the Prime Minister inaugurated an industrial training institute at Arong village and laid the foundation stone for some infrastructure projects.