Why Did Indian Govt Rename Ross Island After Netaji Subhas Bose?

Port Blair: Union Home minister Amit Shah on Saturday justified the renaming of Ross Island in Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, said that it was done so that “people who have sacrificed their lives should get a place in history”.

He was of the opinion that for years, efforts were made to “diminish the image of many leaders”, and now it’s time to make space for them in the history of this nation.

“This year we’re celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav and the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. When we see the life of Netaji, we feel that injustice happened to him. The place he deserves was not given to him in history,” the Home minister remarked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed Ross Island as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (island) in December 2018 to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the Tricolour by Netaji.

Modi also announced that Neil Island will be known as Shahid Dweep and Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep henceforth.

Urging India’s youth to visit Andaman and Nicobar, Shah referred to the islands as the ‘pilgrimage place of Independence’.

“There cannot be a greater pilgrimage than this cellular jail. This place is a ‘mahatirth’ where Savarkar experienced inhuman torture for 10 years but did not lose his courage, his bravery,” the Home minister said.