Indian Army dedicates Sankalp Smarak in A&N in Netaji’s memory

78 years ago Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had hoisted the Indian National Flag for the first time on Indian soil, at Port Blair.

In order to commemorate and preserve this historic day, Lt Gen Ajai Singh, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) dedicated a Sankalp Smarak to the nation on 29 Dec.

According to the Ministry of Defence, “The Smarak is a tribute not only to the resolve of the soldiers of the Indian National Army and their innumerable sacrifices but also reminds us of the values enshrined by Netaji himself, “Nishtha, Kartavya aur Balidan” or “Commitment, Duty and Sacrifice” that continue to underscore the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces and the resolve of the Indian Soldier.”

It added, “In the saga of India’s freedom struggle, 30 December 1943 holds a special place etched in time. It was on this day that a national flag was hoisted for the first time on Indian soil, at Port Blair.”

According to the historical evidence, Netaji had escaped British surveillance from Kolkata on January 16, 1941. He returned on Indian soil after nearly three years, at Port Blair Aerodrome on 29 Dec 1943 at 11:30 am and unfurled a National flag the next day.

According to the Ministry of Defence, “Netaji’s visit to the islands as the Head of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind and Supreme Commander of Indian National Army marked a symbolic fulfilment of his promise that the Indian National Army would stand on Indian soil by the end of 1943.”

“This historic visit also marked a declaration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as the “first liberated territory of India”,” it added.