PM Modi Releases "First Flag Hoisting Day" Commemorative Coin

The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, along with the Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Devendra Kumar Joshi, unveiled the ₹75 commemorative coin and a special postage stamp themed “First Flag Hoisting Day” to mark the 75th anniversary of the historic moment when Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the Tricolour at Port Blair in 1943. 

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just a reflection of India’s natural beauty but also hold a sacred place in the nation’s history, serving as a pilgrimage site for all Indians. He reflected on the islands as a powerful reminder of the collective resolve and sacrifices of the freedom fighters who fought for India’s independence.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to the development and empowerment of the islands. He highlighted that the projects inaugurated during the event would enhance progress in education, health, connectivity, tourism, and employment. Recalling his visit to the Cellular Jail, he described it as a sanctified place where thousands of freedom fighters endured immense suffering, adding that the nation will always honour their sacrifices. Remembering Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Shri Modi said that many youths from the islands had dedicated themselves to India’s freedom in response to Netaji’s call. He noted that the 150-feet-high flag mast installed at Port Blair serves as an enduring tribute to the historic moment when Netaji unfurled the Tricolour.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister announced that Ross Island would be renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island would be known as Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island would be renamed Swaraj Dweep, reinforcing the significance of the freedom struggle associated with the archipelago. He observed that today’s India is working to fulfil Netaji’s vision of a strong and united nation. He emphasised that remembering and honouring such heroes strengthens the nation’s sense of integration and unity, and mentioned initiatives such as the Panchteerth dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar, the National Police Memorial, and the Statue of Unity as examples of efforts to highlight the country’s glorious heritage. He also noted that national awards have been instituted in the names of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Prime Minister went on to outline the Union Government’s broader developmental vision for the islands, explaining that economic growth would be pursued in harmony with environmental priorities. He described forthcoming opportunities in tourism, food processing, and information technology as part of sustainable industrial development. He added that efforts are underway to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands increasingly self-sufficient, including through the expansion of the Port Blair dockyard to enable maintenance of larger vessels. He called for a detailed report on rural road conditions within two weeks so that the Union Government could extend timely support. He also spoke about major infrastructure projects such as the new Integrated Terminal Building at Veer Savarkar International Airport and the undersea optical fibre cable from Chennai, which will significantly improve internet connectivity. The Prime Minister mentioned progress in water, power, clean energy, and health services, reaffirming the Government’s dedication to the all-round development of the islands.

This release marks the fifth commemorative coin issued in 2018 and stands as a meaningful tribute to the historic event that symbolises the unwavering spirit of India’s freedom struggle and the enduring legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.