Hon'ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah arrives to a rousing welcome at Port Blair

       The Hon'ble Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival at Veer Savarkar International Airport today. On his arrival, he was received by the Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Jitendra Narain, DGP, Shri Satyendra Garg and others. Soon after arrival, the Hon'ble Union Minister visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and paid tributes to the Freedom Fighters including the great Freedom Fighter Veer Savarkar by laying wreath at the Martyrs' Column. He also visited the cell of Veer Savarkar and paid homage. The Minister also unveiled a plaque with the quote "Holy Pilgrimage Place of Freedom Struggle of India" at National Memorial Cellular Jail. The Hon'ble Minister witnessed a cultural programme as part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' followed by Sound & Light Show based on patriotic theme.  The Union Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla was also present on the occasion.
     Hon'ble Home Minister while addressing the programme organized to commemorate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' said that he has got a chance to visit this pilgrimage site for the second time and whenever he comes here, he takes a new energy and inspiration. He said that this is the place where many freedom fighters knowingly and unknowingly have proclaimed 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' even after suffering inhuman tortures and sacrificing their whole lives. This Cellular Jail built by the British for the people of the country is the biggest pilgrimage place and that is why Savarkar ji used to say that this is a great pilgrimage among the pilgrimages where many Martyrs have made supreme sacrifices to ignite the flame of freedom.
      The Hon'ble Minister said that his visit to this pilgrimage place is also important because this year is the year of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the year to dedicate himself again to the country by taking inspiration from the freedom struggle and it is the year to take a resolution about how great India will be, when the hundred years of the country's independence will be completed. He said, that is why the Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi, has decided to celebrate this year as the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence with great enthusiasm and the people of the country are not only happy with this decision but also excited to participate in it. The Hon'ble Minister said, “today at this place of freedom movement and resolution, I respectfully bow down to the sacrifices and resolve of thousands of freedom fighters”.