VP Radhakrishnan visits Cellular Jail in Andaman, pays tribute to freedom fighters
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited the Cellular Jail National Memorial here, paid tributes to freedom fighters and recalled the contribution of revolutionary VD Savarkar to India’s freedom struggle. Radhakrishnan laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Column, offered his respects at the Swatantrata Jyoti and visited Savarkar’s cell during his visit to the historic jail.
He also visited the Central Tower, gallows and the museum and exhibition gallery before witnessing the Light and Sound Show depicting the saga of India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Speaking during the visit, the VP described Savarkar as a “unique and fearless revolutionary” whose patriotism inspired generations of young Indians.
While recalling Savarkar’s years of imprisonment and harsh treatment in the Cellular Jail in the Andamans, he said, “The purpose of sending freedom fighters to jail was to demoralise them; Savarkar ji never got demoralised. Finally, the British Raj got demoralised.”
He also highlighted Savarkar’s contribution to the fight against untouchability and social discrimination.
Radhakrishnan said India’s quest to become more powerful was not aimed at dictating terms to other countries but at ensuring that the country was never dictated to by anyone. “We never want to be dictated by anyone in this world; that is what real freedom is,” he said.
The Vice-President is on a two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to participate in events related to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyaan’ and the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’.
Radhakrishnan arrived at INS Utkrosh, the naval air base near Veer Savarkar International Airport, on Saturday afternoon and was received by Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd) and senior officials. He was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. After his arrival, Radhakrishnan went to Lok Niwas and held a meeting with Joshi. On Sunday, Radhakrishnan will participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyaan’ by hoisting the national flag at Flag Point in Sri Vijaya Puram around 9 am.
He will then attend a state function, ‘Tiranga Concert on Vande Mataram’ at the Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology auditorium.
In the afternoon, the Vice-President will visit the historic Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island before leaving for New Delhi in the evening.
