Andaman and Nicobar Islands are among one of the most serene tourist spots in the country. Comprised of other smaller islands, surrounded by blue waters and white sands, a lot of people flock towards these clean beaches for their holidays. But coming Sunday on December 30, these islands are set to get a makeover, but in nomenclature. The three islands within Andaman and Nicobar territory- Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively. PM Narendra Modi will visit Port Blair to initiate and formally announce the name change. IRCTC Introduces Andaman and Nicobar Tour Package at Rs. 21, 120!
All the formalities required to change the names of these popular islands are already completed by the home ministry and the PM will make a formal announcement. December 30 marks the 75th anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose's declaration of the formation of the Azad Hind government. In order to honour his contribution of securing the land from the British colonies, the Havelock Island will be called Subhas Chandra Bose Island. The Havelock Island was named after British general Henry Havelock who had fought against the Indians in the revolt of 1857. To not have an island named after a Britisher, it will also be renamed. Allahabad Becomes Prayagraj: Know the History Behind the Name.
Havelock Island is the largest island in the union territory and a very popular tourist spot. BJP leader LA Ganesan had made the demand to rename Havelock islands after Indian patriot. Modi will also hoist a 150-metre national flag at Port Blair during the ceremony, honouring Netaji Subhaschandra Bose.
The BJP-led government is on a name-changing spree. In UP, Yogi Adityanath renamed several places in his state. Allahabad was renamed Prayagraj, Faizabad was renamed to Ayodhya and there are considerations about renaming Shimla into 'Shyamala'. As one of the popular tourist spots in the country, all set to get a name change, we are not sure if residents of the place will be okay with the newer identities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2018 07:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).