Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday paid homage to freedom fighters at the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, recalling the immense sacrifices and hardships endured by those who fought for India’s independence.
During his visit, V-P Radhakrishnan laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column and paid tribute at the cell where freedom fighter Veer Savarkar was imprisoned. He also visited Swatantra Jyoti, the Central Tower, the gallows, and the museum and exhibition gallery.
The Vice-President later witnessed the Light and Sound Show depicting the struggle for India’s independence and the sacrifices of freedom fighters who were imprisoned at the Cellular Jail.
Speaking during the visit, V-P Radhakrishnan described Veer Savarkar as a fearless revolutionary whose patriotism inspired generations of Indians.
Recalling Savarkar’s years of imprisonment and the harsh treatment faced by freedom fighters in the Cellular Jail, he said the British sought to demoralise those imprisoned there but failed to break Savarkar’s spirit.
“The purpose of sending freedom fighters to jail was to demoralise them; Savarkar ji never got demoralised. Finally, the British Raj got demoralised,” he said.
V-P Radhakrishnan also highlighted Savarkar’s efforts against untouchability and social discrimination, noting his contribution to social reform alongside his role in the freedom struggle.
The Vice-President said India’s aspiration to become a powerful nation was not aimed at dictating terms to other countries, but at ensuring that the country was never dictated to by anyone.
“We never want to be dictated by anyone in this world, that is what is real freedom,” he said.
Earlier in the day, V-P Radhakrishnan arrived at INS Utkrosh in Sri Vijaya Puram, where he was received by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd.), senior officials and other dignitaries. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
V-P Radhakrishnan is on a two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During the visit, he will participate in several programmes, including the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, and visit Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
