New Delhi: Veer Savarkar Airport, previously known as Port Blair Airport, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has opened its runway for international flights, hence opening the region to tourists and visitors from across the globe.

The Archipelago’s tourism potential has largely remained unexplored because of limited air connectivity. Last month, the Veer Savarkar Airport received its first international flight. Experts see the island turning into a major tourist hotspot soon, with visitors arriving from across the continents.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to tourists to visit the Cellular Jail and enjoy the serene and tranquil islands.

“Do visit the Cellular Jail as well and get inspired by the courage of the great Veer Savarkar,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Notably, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was jailed for 11 years in this infamous cellular jail during India’s Freedom Movement. Dubbed ‘Kala Paani’, this was one of the harshest prison sentences meted out by the British.

PM Modi also noted the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of brave heroes who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation.

Honour the heroes – 21 Islands named after the Param Vir Chakra Awardees

His homage to the brave heroes came in response to an X user (a noted journalist) who described the ‘naming of 21 Andaman islands after Param Vir Chakras’ as his favourite part of Andaman tourism.

Last year, PM Modi named the 21 largest unnamed islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees. The christening of unnamed islands was done on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 126th birth anniversary, officially observed as Parakram Diwas.

In his post on X, PM Modi underscored the importance of remembering the brave heroes of the nation who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

“Naming the islands in Andaman and Nicobar after our heroes is a way to ensure their service to the nation is remembered for generations to come. This is also part of our larger endeavour to preserve and celebrate the memory of our freedom fighters and eminent personalities who have left an indelible mark on our nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister further said, “It’s the nations that remain connected with their roots that move ahead in development and nation-building.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

–IANS