Mixed reactions from local residents to Sri Vijaya Puram
PORT BLAIR: The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram has evoked mixed reactions among its residents, with many describing the move as meaningless, while another section maintaining that it was a necessary step to erase “colonial imprintRenaming Port Blair evokes mixed reactionss”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Friday announced that Port Blair, the capital city of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.
“While the earlier name had a colonial legacy, Sri Vijaya Puram symbolises the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique role in it,” he had said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, had hailed the renaming of Port Blair and said it reflects the government’s commitment to break free from the colonial mindset and “celebrate our heritage”.
However, several residents of the Union territory criticised the decision.
Rakesh Pal Gobind, president of the Local Born Association (LBA), claimed that the renaming took place without any consultation with the group and other locals.
“With great surprise, we got to know through news channels that the Union home minister has renamed Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram. We, the islanders, particularly those from the penal settlements, are deeply shocked as we were not consulted about this decision,” he said.
“The sacrifice and commitment of our forefathers, who were brought here as prisoners in 1858, seem to have been disregarded. The government should have sought suggestions before taking the decision.