Sri Vijaya Puram | Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday said "Bharat is one and will always remain one" as he launched the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyaan from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, underlining the spirit of national unity, patriotism and sacrifice associated with the historic archipelago.
Addressing the gathering at the DBRAIT Auditorium here, Radhakrishnan recalled the words of Tamil nationalist poet Subramania Bharati, saying, "My head will never bow; my head will bow only for the national flag of Mother Bharat."
He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign carries forward this spirit by bringing every citizen together under the national flag, one motherland and one common destiny.
The programme was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral D K Joshi (Retd), Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Chairperson of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council M Vasanta and Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, P Umar, among other dignitaries.
Radhakrishnan said the launch from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was deeply significant as it coincided with Quit India Movement Day, commemorating Mahatma Gandhi's call of "Do or Die" on August 8, 1942.
He described the islands as a sacred land inseparably linked with India's freedom struggle and paid tribute to the thousands of freedom fighters who endured imprisonment, forced labour and inhuman treatment under the dreaded "Kalapani" punishment.
Referring to the Cellular Jail, he said the national memorial remains an eternal reminder of the extraordinary courage of freedom fighters, including Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt and Sachindra Nath Sanyal.
The Vice President also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's historic hoisting of the Tricolour at Sri Vijaya Puram on December 30, 1943, describing the event as a powerful symbol of India's resolve for independence.
Radhakrishnan also hoisted the National Flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, under the #HarGharTiranga Abhiyaan.
Radhakrishnan highlighted the unique character of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as "Mini India", with people from different parts of the country living together across its 31 inhabited islands. He said the Union Territory exemplifies "unity in diversity" and the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat".
He also highlighted the presence of six tribal communities, including five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, and appreciated efforts towards education, healthcare, skill development and livelihood while preserving their cultural identity.
Referring to development initiatives, Radhakrishnan mentioned improved connectivity, healthcare and education infrastructure, including the submarine optical fibre cable, the new integrated terminal building at Veer Savarkar International Airport, ANIIMS and Government Law College. He also referred to ongoing connectivity projects and the Great Nicobar Island Development Project.
On the vision of a developed India, Radhakrishnan said the objective was to make the country powerful not to dominate or dictate terms to others, but to ensure that "no one should dictate terms to us." He said India's generosity should continue to grow while the country must remain vigilant to safeguard its national interests.
"May the Tricolour continue to inspire us with courage, unity and positive hope," he said, urging citizens to draw everlasting inspiration from the freedom fighters," he said.