Sri Vijaya Puram is set to host a significant confluence of cultural homage, national leadership and community mobilisation on Friday, 12 December 2025, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat arrive in the Islands for a series of high-profile programmes centred around the legacy of Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
The day’s events will begin with the inauguration of the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Statue at the Public Garden in Beodnabad, marking a moment of symbolic importance for the Islands, whose own freedom struggle history is deeply intertwined with Savarkar’s years of imprisonment in the Cellular Jail. Senior dignitaries, including Lt. Governor Admiral D K Joshi, will accompany the leaders during the ceremony.
Immediately following the inauguration, a musical and cultural tribute- Sagara Praan Talamalala, based on Savarkar’s immortal patriotic poem – will be staged at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology Auditorium. Conceptualised as a celebration of the poet-revolutionary’s spirit, the programme will be led by Padma Shree Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, accompanied by prominent artistes from across India. The tribute aims to illuminate Savarkar’s enduring nationalist philosophy through music, narration and performance.
The event will also feature the felicitation of individuals who have contributed to preserving and amplifying Savarkar’s ideas. Among the honourees are music director Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, actor and writer Sharad Ponkshe, actor-director Randeep Hooda, and historian and author Dr. Vikram Sampath.
Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, attending as Chief Guest, is expected to deliver an address during the cultural programme. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate as the Special Guest of Honour, while Lt. Governor Admiral D K Joshi and Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar will attend as Guests of Honour. Their presence is expected to draw significant public interest, given the rare convergence of top national leadership in the Islands.
The visit comes a day ahead of the Virat Hindu Sammelan, scheduled for 13 December at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The Sammelan, organised jointly by various social and Sanatan Sangathans, marks the centenary year of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. It is also historic as Dr. Bhagwat becomes the first Sarsanghchalak to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The organising committee, chaired by Swami Sudanand Saraswati Ji of Chinmaya Mission, has called upon residents to participate in the event, which will be streamed live on the Virat Hindu Sammelan YouTube channel.
With thousands expected to attend, the administration has outlined comprehensive traffic and parking arrangements.
Amit Shah arrived in the Islands on Thursday night and was received at Veer Savarkar International Airport by Lt. Governor Admiral D K Joshi, Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, DGP Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, and other senior officials.
With a blend of cultural nostalgia, political significance and community mobilisation, the December 12 events are expected to set the stage for a memorable and impactful weekend in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
