PORT BLAIR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has named twenty-one unnamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of Parakram Diwas, celebrated to mark the birth Anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23. These islands will be named after 21 decorated men of the armed forces of the country who have received Param Vir Chakra. He also unveil the project of the National Memorial to be set up at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose virtually.
Param Vir Chakra, which literally translates into 'Wheel of the Ultimate Brave', which is the highest military recognition of India given for actions during wartime. The Param Vir Chakra is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy". And Parakram Diwas, celebrated on Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary means 'Bravery Day'.
Three popular islands of the Andamans, namely Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island were renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively in the year 2018. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have been a prominent reminder of the colonial oppression of the British in India. These locations have now become some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
A statement from the PMO mentioned that this step is in line with the ideology of the PM to give due respect to the real-life heroes of the country, especially those belonging to the defence line.
"Going ahead with this spirit, it has now been decided to name the 21 largest unnamed islands of the island group after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. The largest unnamed island will be named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, the second largest unnamed island will be named after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, and so on. This step will be an everlasting tribute to our heroes, several of whom had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation," the statement from the Prime Minister's Office mentioned.
The following are names of the 21 bravehearts, after whom these islands will be named. Major Somnath Sharma, Subedar and Hony Captain Karam Singh, 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane, Nayak Jadunath Singh, Company Havildar Major Piru Singh, Captain GS Salaria, Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa, Subedar Joginder Singh, Major Shaitan Singh, CQMH Abdul Hamid, Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore, Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Major Hoshiar Singh, 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon, Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, Naib Subedar Bana Singh, Captain Vikram Batra, Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.
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