Sri Vijay Puram, May 28: Dr. Rashida Iqbal, born in Port Blair, former Curator of the Cellular Jail, unveiled her latest book, The Story of Cellular Jail: Prison to Pilgrimage, at a launch ceremony held today at the Andaman Club in Sri Vijaya Puram. Having spent decades working with the Cellular Jail and the National Memorial, Dr. Iqbal brings a deeply personal and scholarly perspective to the book, which was officially released by Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, who lauded her enduring contribution to historical preservation.
The book offers a deeply researched account of the Andaman penal settlement and the infamous Cellular Jail, highlighting the harrowing yet inspiring stories of India’s freedom fighters. It uncovers lesser-known narratives of resilience during both British colonial rule and the Japanese occupation in World War II.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Iqbal dedicated her book to her parents, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support. “Who I am today is because of their encouragement. It was their dream that came true. Thanks also to the commendable support from the UT Administration, which kept me closely involved as the Curator of the Cellular Jail for many years, giving me the much-needed opportunity to gather vital information,” she said.
She added, “Port Blair has deeply influenced who I am. My father, Ainulla Khan, was a determined Pashtun from Peshawar, and my mother, Nabisa Bibi, belonged to the resilient Moplah community of Kerala’s Malabar district. In 1936, my father was exiled to Kala Pani and imprisoned in the dreaded Cellular Jail. The courage and sacrifices of my parents continue to inspire the strength I carry within me.”
Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar congratulated Dr. Iqbal on her dedication to preserving the region’s history. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like hers in safeguarding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ cultural heritage. He also noted that the Cellular Jail is included on UNESCO’s tentative world heritage centre list and revealed that the administration has submitted a letter to UNESCO seeking recognition for additional heritage sites in the Islands. Plans for launching several heritage walk initiatives focusing on historically significant locations are also under consideration, he added.
The event was attended by dignitaries, family members, and cultural stakeholders, underscoring the book’s significance to the Islands’ historical narrative.
Known for her scholarly depth as well as her work as a poet and public speaker, Dr. Iqbal’s new book not only preserves history but also invites readers to reflect on the sacrifices of those once confined within the dreaded walls of Kala Pani.
