Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’ in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by hoisting the National Flag at Flag Point in Sri Vijaya Puram on the occasion of August Kranti Diwas, commemorating the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Addressing a state function and Tiranga concert at the DBRAIT Auditorium, V-P Radhakrishnan said the islands were an appropriate place to launch the campaign given their deep association with India’s freedom struggle and the history of the Tricolour.
Describing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a “sacred land of sacrifice”, the Vice-President recalled the suffering of freedom fighters who were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail during the British era. He paid tribute to Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and other patriots whose courage, patriotism and sacrifices, he said, continue to inspire generations.
V-P Radhakrishnan recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call on August 8, 1942, saying it awakened millions of Indians and gave fresh impetus to the freedom struggle. He also highlighted the islands’ place in the history of the Indian National Flag, recalling that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolour there on December 30, 1943.
Referring to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Vice President said it had evolved into a nationwide people’s movement aimed at bringing citizens together under the National Flag.
He called upon people to proudly display the Tricolour and uphold the values of patriotism, unity and collective responsibility that it represents.
“Bharat is one and will always remain one,” V-P Radhakrishnan said, describing the islands as a living example of India’s “Unity in Diversity” and the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”.
The Vice President also highlighted the islands’ rich tribal heritage and the progress made in connectivity, healthcare, education and infrastructure. He said the Great Nicobar Island Development Project would strengthen India’s maritime capabilities, improve connectivity and create new economic opportunities while maintaining a balance with environmental conservation.
Emphasising the importance of national preparedness, V-P Radhakrishnan said India’s tradition of peace and generosity should not be mistaken for weakness. He stressed the need for the country to remain prepared to safeguard its national interests and sovereignty.
The Vice President also attended a cultural programme and visited the Har Ghar Tiranga exhibition, which showcased the campaign’s message of national unity and patriotism.
Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Chairperson of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council M. Vasantha and Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad P. Ummer were among those present at the event.
