Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced renaming of three islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago as a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The Ross Island was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, the Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep and the Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep, Mr. Modi said during a speech amid thunderous applause from the audience here.
The three islands are major tourist spots.
Inaugurates projects
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated a slew of development projects and laid foundation stones for several others related to energy, connectivity, education, tourism and health sectors.
Donning the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) cap, he addressed a public meeting at the Netaji Stadium on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the Tricolour by Bose here.
“When it comes to heroes of the freedom struggle, we take the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose with pride. The first Prime Minister of the Azad Hind government Subhas Babu had made India’s Independence resolution on the soil of Andaman,” he said.
“The country draws inspiration from Andaman. That is why the government has issued a notification and I am proudly announcing that henceforth, Ross Island will be known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. The Neil Island will be known as Shahid Dweep and Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep,” he said.
On this day in 1943, Bose had suggested that Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed Shahid and Swaraj Dweep.
Mr. Modi released a commemorative stamp, its first-day cover and a ₹75 coin.
