Sri Vijaya Puram, August 9: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan paid homage to freedom fighters at the National Memorial Cellular Jail during his two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, recalling their sacrifices and describing freedom as the ability of India to remain free from external dictates.
Radhakrishnan laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column and paid tribute at Veer Savarkar’s Cell during his visit. He also visited Swatantra Jyot, the Central Tower, the Gallows and the Museum and Exhibition Gallery before witnessing the Light and Sound Show depicting the freedom struggle.
Speaking during the visit, Radhakrishnan described Savarkar as a fearless revolutionary whose patriotism inspired generations of young Indians. Recalling Savarkar’s imprisonment and harsh treatment at the Cellular Jail, he said the British intended imprisonment to demoralise freedom fighters, but Savarkar did not lose his resolve.
“The purpose of sending freedom fighters to jail was to demoralize them; Savarkar ji never got demoralized. Finally, the British Raj got demoralized,” Radhakrishnan said.
The Vice-President also highlighted Savarkar’s contribution to the fight against untouchability and social discrimination.
Radhakrishnan said India’s pursuit of greater strength was not intended to dictate terms to other countries. He said the objective was to ensure that India would not be dictated to by anyone, describing that as the essence of real freedom.
Earlier in the day, Radhakrishnan arrived at INS Utkrosh in Sri Vijaya Puram, where Lieutenant Governor and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency Admiral DK Joshi, CINCAN Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, DGP Ravindra Singh Yadav, Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad South Andaman P. Ummer, Chairperson of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Vasantha and senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration received him.
He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour following his arrival.
Radhakrishnan is on a two-day visit to the islands and is scheduled to participate in various programmes during his stay. His itinerary includes the launch of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and a visit to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.
The Cellular Jail visit formed a key part of his programme, with the Vice-President paying tribute at several sites associated with the freedom struggle and observing the Light and Sound Show based on its history.
