65th ANNIVERSARY OF HOISTING OF TRI-COLOUR BY NETAJI

Hoisting of Tri-color by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

Friends! As the New Year 2009 was knocking at the door, the Islanders bade majestic farewell to the year 2008 with a patriotic fervour by commemorating the 65^th anniversary of hoisting of the Indian Tri-color by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the Andaman Islands.

Netaji at the Cellular Jail, Port Blair in 1943

L K Advani laying wreaths at Netaji’s statue, Marina Park, Port Blair.

Functions were held to mark the historic occasion on 30^th December, 2008. Tributes were paid at Netaji’s statue, 1857 Memorial at the Marina Park, the Battle of Aberdeen Memorial and Martyrs’ Column at National Memorial Cellular Jail in Port Blair on December, 30^th. The dignitaries hoisted the National Flag at the Memorial in front of “Andaman Club” which was followed by the Guard of Honour.

Lt. Governor, Bhopinder Singh hoisting the flag at the Netaji Stadium on 30^th Dec. 08

30^th December is very significant in the history of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. On this day, in the year 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the National Flag for the first time at Gymkhana Ground (the present-day “Netaji Stadium”), Port Blair declaring the Islands the first Indian Territory to be freed from the shackles of British Imperialism.

His historic visit to the Andamans turned out to be a symbolic fulfillment of his promise that the Indian National Army (INA) would stand on the Indian soil by the end of 1943. A memorial stands today at the Andaman Club, Netaji Stadium as a mute testimony of his momentous visit to the Islands and the historic moment of hoisting of the Indian tri-colour.

Thus spake Netaji, the real Hero.

So, my dear friends! On this positive & undaunted note in this age troubled with evils like terrorism, I wish you all a very

Happy, Prosperous & Terror-free New Year 2009!!!

“JAI HIND”