Vice President Radhakrishnan Honors Andaman Freedom Fighters

Touring the historic Cellular Jail National Memorial, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan pays solemn tribute to early revolutionaries and underscores the lasting legacy of Veer Savarkar.

Underscoring the historical sacrifice embedded in India's independence movement, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the iconic Cellular Jail National Memorial in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Arriving on a two-day official tour of the Union Territory, the Vice-President participated in commemorative engagements honoring the revolutionaries who suffered harsh imprisonment under British colonial rule. His itinerary included paying direct homage at the isolation cell of Veer Savarkar and reviewing archival museum galleries detailing the arduous history of India’s freedom struggle.

Memorial Tour and Historical Commemoration

Upon touching down at the naval air base INS Utkrosh, where he was received by Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd.) and senior civil-military officials, Radhakrishnan proceeded directly to the historic penal settlement.

Key sites inspected and memorial events attended during the Vice-President's tour include:

• Martyrs' Column and Swatantra Jyoti: Radhakrishnan laid a formal wreath at the central memorial pillar and offered floral tributes at the eternal flame symbolizing national sacrifice.

• Veer Savarkar’s Cell: The Vice-President spent time inside the historic solitary confinement cell used to incarcerate freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

• Central Tower and Gallows: Officials led a guided walkthrough of the radial panopticon architecture, inspection galleries, and execution yards.

• Cultural Integration: Radhakrishnan concluded his evening at the monument by witnessing the Light and Sound Show dramatizing the penal colony's dark history and the collective endurance of political prisoners.

Reflections on Resilience and National Sovereignty

Addressing gathering dignitaries and administrative officials during his visit, Radhakrishnan drew deep parallels between historical resistance and contemporary national defense. He emphasized that the British colonial administration aimed to break the psychological resolve of freedom fighters through isolation and brutal penal labor, yet failed to achieve their objective.

"The purpose of sending freedom fighters to jail was to demoralise them; Savarkar ji never got demoralised. Finally, the British Raj got demoralised," Radhakrishnan remarked during his address. Furthermore, the Vice-President highlighted Savarkar’s parallel social reform efforts directed at dismantling untouchability and systemic discrimination. He noted that modern India’s pursuit of global strength is dedicated strictly to ensuring self-reliance and national autonomy rather than exerting dominance over other nations.

Why It Matters

Commemorating historic penal landmarks reinforces national identity and preserves public memory regarding the steep cost of independence. Highlighting these sites to contemporary generations fosters civic appreciation for constitutional democracy and national sovereignty.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Dignitary: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan.

• Location: Cellular Jail National Memorial, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Key Observances: Wreath-laying at the Martyrs' Column and homage at Veer Savarkar’s cell.

• Additional Itinerary: Launch of regional Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyaan initiatives and cultural heritage visits.

FAQ Section

Why did Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan visit the Cellular Jail?

The Vice-President visited the historic memorial to pay homage to freedom fighters who endured severe hardships during India's struggle for independence.

Which specific historical figures were honored during the visit?

Radhakrishnan paid special tribute at the solitary confinement cell of Veer Savarkar and honored all revolutionaries at the central Martyrs' Column.

What other events were scheduled during the Vice-President's Andaman tour?

In addition to touring the Cellular Jail, his two-day itinerary included participating in the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyaan, attending a Vande Mataram cultural concert, and visiting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island.

Where can citizens read official press statements regarding the Vice-President's itinerary?

Verified updates and government releases are accessible directly through the Official Press Information Bureau Portal.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), DD News, ANI News, Press Trust of India (PTI)