75th Anniversary of the First Flag Hoisting at Port Blair
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 30, 2018 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 22 |
| Quantity | 500,700 |
| Perforation | 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | India Security Press, Nashik |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Sh. Sankha Samanta |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3490A Stamp Number IN 3091 Yvert et Tellier IN 3178 Stanley Gibbons IN 3574 |
| Themes | Famous people | Flags | Men | Second World War |
Port Blair – The First Indian Territory Liberated by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
A Jewel in the Bay of Bengal
Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a picturesque city surrounded by turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and exotic marine life. Today, it is a popular tourist destination that welcomes visitors with its natural beauty and cultural charm. Yet, beneath its tranquil appearance lies a deep and powerful history — one that tells stories of immense suffering, endurance, and the unyielding spirit of India’s freedom fighters.
The Dark Legacy of “Kala Pani”
For those who seek history, Port Blair stands as a solemn reminder of “Kala Pani”, the infamous term for the Cellular Jail, where countless Indian revolutionaries were imprisoned during the British Raj.
The first batch of freedom fighters from the First War of Independence (1857) was brought to these islands on 10 March 1858, marking the beginning of the British penal settlement. These prisoners, most of them political convicts, were subjected to life imprisonment, forced labour, and extreme cruelty. Many perished due to disease, torture, or starvation, while others were executed.
Cellular Jail – A Monument of Sacrifice
Now preserved as a National Memorial, the Cellular Jail bears testimony to the courage and sacrifice of India’s patriots. Its walls echo the names of great revolutionaries such as Veer Savarkar, Ganesh Damodar Savarkar, Barindra Kumar Ghosh, Ullaskar Dutt, Indu Bhushan Roy, Prithvi Singh Azad, Trailokyanath Chakravarthy, and Mahavir Singh.
Their defiance against imperial oppression and their supreme sacrifices transformed the Cellular Jail into a symbol of national pride and a pilgrimage site for every Indian.
The First Liberated Indian Territory
A remarkable chapter in India’s freedom struggle unfolded here during World War II (1943–44) when Port Blair became the first Indian territory liberated from British rule. Under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Azad Hind Government established its administrative base on the islands after Japan captured them from the British.
Netaji’s Historic Visit and Flag Hoisting
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited the Andaman Islands from 29 to 31 December 1943, accompanied by officials of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind. He stayed at the former British Chief Commissioner’s residence on Ross Island (now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island).
His visit came after the Japanese Prime Minister’s announcement at the Greater East Asiatic Nations Assembly in Tokyo on 6 November 1943, declaring that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be transferred to the Provisional Government of Free India.
On 30 December 1943, Netaji addressed a massive gathering of Indians at the Gymkhana Ground in Port Blair. On this historic day, he hoisted the Indian Tricolour for the first time on liberated Indian soil, proclaiming the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the first territory of free India.
A Moment Etched in History
After the flag hoisting, Netaji visited the Cellular Jail, spending hours in silent tribute to the patriots who had suffered there. Reflecting on his visit, he said:
“For Indians, the return of the Andaman represents the first territory to be liberated from British yoke… Like the Bastille in Paris, which was liberated first in the French Revolution, setting free political prisoners, the Andaman where our patriots suffered is the first to be liberated in India’s fight for independence.”
Netaji renamed the Andaman Islands as “Shaheed” (Martyr) and the Nicobar Islands as “Swaraj” (Self-rule), symbolizing the eternal spirit of freedom and sacrifice.
A Living Memorial
Today, the site where Netaji hoisted the national flag stands as a proud memorial to India’s freedom movement — a place that continues to inspire generations.
To honour this momentous event, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp, paying tribute to Port Blair’s historic role as the first land of free India and the heroic legacy of those who fought for the nation’s independence.