PM to virtually inaugurate model of proposed Netaji memorial in Andamans on Jan 23

PTI, Jan 19, 2023, 9:00 AM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the model of a proposed memorial dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on January 23 to commemorate the freedom fighter’s 126th birth anniversary, according to an official statement.

The proposed memorial will be set up on Ross Island, which has been renamed after Netaji in 2018. It will have a museum, cable car ropeway, laser-and-sound show, guided heritage trail through historical buildings and a theme-based children’s amusement park, besides a restro lounge.

The virtual inauguration of the model will be followed by the PM’s speech to the nation, after which he will announce the naming of 21 uninhabited islands in the archipelago after Param Veer Chakra awardees, the statement issued by the Union territory administration said.

The event will be live-screened during a function at the auditorium of Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology in Port Blair.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who will arrive in Port Blair on January 23, will be the chief guest of the function.

He will hoist the national flag, which will be followed by a public speech at Netaji Stadium in Port Blair, the same spot where the Indian National Army (INA) commander-in-chief had hoisted the tricolour on December 30, 1943. The stadium was then known as Gymkhana Ground.

A series of programmes will be held in Port Blair, including the screening of a film on the birth anniversary celebrations of the legendary freedom fighter and a dance ballet on Netaji’s life choreographed by eminent dancer Tanusree Shankar.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands were under the Japanese occupation and it was formally handed over to the Azad Hind government on December 29, 1943.

This will be Shah’s second visit to Port Blair since 2021, when he had arrived here to celebrate ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a series of events organised by the Centre to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.