First Indian flag unfurled by Subhash Chandra Bose in 1943 at Andaman | Pinterest
Port Blair: On this date in 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose raised the National Flag for the first time at the Gymkhana Ground (now Netaji Stadium) in Port Blair. He also proclaimed the Islands, the initial Indian Territory liberated from British control. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, promoting an energetic movement. On December 29, 1943, he hoisted the national flag at Port Blair, creating a government in exile.
On 29th December 1943, Netaji, along with Sarvashri Anand Mohan Sahay, Captain Rawat – ADC, and Col. DS Raju, who was Netaji’s personal physician, arrived at the Port Blair aerodrome in the Andamans. The Japanese admiral welcomed him at Port Blair. The eager Indians and Burmese likewise gave him a hearty welcome.
Bose designated Andaman Island as Shaheed and Nicobar Island as Swaraj, appointing INA General AD Loganathan as the islands’ governor. The Azad Hind Government had transitioned from being just a Government in Exile to possessing its own territory, currency, civil code, and stamps.
By raising the Azad Hind flag, Bose, the leader of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, also honored his commitment that INA would be present on Indian territory by the close of 1943.
