First Flag Hoisting of Azad Hind Government

Geopolitical Genesis: The proclamation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) on October 21, 1943, in Singapore, marked a watershed moment in anti-colonial resistance during World War II.

Territorial Control: The Japanese Imperial forces had captured the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in March 1942, placing them under direct Japanese naval administration while holding strategic maritime significance in the Bay of Bengal.

Handover to Azad Hind: Through intense diplomatic negotiations, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose secured the transfer of these islands to the Azad Hind Government, making it the first sovereign territory directly administered by the provisional government.

Operational Necessity: Renamed as Shaheed (for Andaman) and Swaraj (for Nicobar) islands, this region served as an indispensable naval outpost to project power against Allied shipping lanes and lay the conceptual groundwork for the liberation of the Indian mainland.

Arrival in Port Blair: On December 29, 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose arrived at Port Blair aboard a Japanese aircraft, accompanied by senior Azad Hind officials including Colonel A.D. Loganadhan.

The Historic Ceremony: On December 30, 1943, at the Gymkhana Ground in Port Blair, Netaji unfurled the Tricolour flag of the Indian National Army, featuring the bounding tiger emblem.

Military Salutes: The solemn ceremony was marked by a 21-gun salute rendered by the Japanese garrison and a ceremonial guard of honour presented by the Indian National Army (INA) and the Azad Hind Fauj volunteers.

Administrative Setup: Following the flag hoisting, Colonel A.D. Loganadhan was formally installed as the Chief Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, establishing the first indigenous civil administration on liberated soil.

Flag Emblem and Design: The national flag hoisted during the ceremony bore three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, charged with the Crouching Tiger (representing the martial spirit of the Indian freedom struggle) in the center.

Sacred Mottos: The foundational ethos of the government and its armed wings revolved around the immortal war cries of Jai Hind and Chalo Delhi, inspiring unyielding national commitment.

Regimental Lineage: The military arm, the Indian National Army, was structured into specialized combat units including the Subhas Brigade, Gandhi Brigade, Nehru Brigade, and the legendary women’s combat unit, the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.

Service Traditions: The ceremonial protocols established during the Port Blair flag hoisting solidified the military traditions of discipline, secular unity across religious lines, and absolute subordination to the sovereign will of the Indian people.

Cellular Jail Legacy: During his historic visit, Netaji inspected the infamous Cellular Jail in Port Blair, paying profound homage to the innumerable freedom fighters and revolutionaries incarcerated by the British colonial regime.

Martyr Roll of Honour: The event served as a monumental tribute to martyrs such as Mahavir Singh, Bhai Parmanand, and countless anonymous political prisoners who endured unspeakable torture in the penal colony.

Gallantry Citations: In subsequent campaigns across the Arakan mountains and Imphal fronts, INA soldiers demonstrated legendary bravery, earning internal commendations equivalent to supreme gallantry citations such as the Sher-e-Hind.

Supreme Sacrifice: Thousands of Azad Hind volunteers laid down their lives in the rugged terrains of Burma and Northeast India, embodying the ultimate spirit of patriotism under the command of Netaji.

Geopolitical Repercussion: The establishment of civil authority in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands challenged the absolute monopoly of Allied colonial dominance in Southeast Asia and proved that an independent Indian government could govern territory.

War Memorials: The historic site of the flag hoisting at Port Blair stands preserved as a revered national monument, housing commemorative plaques and statues honoring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Annual Official Protocols: Every year on December 30, national commemorative events are led by senior governmental dignitaries, featuring tri-colour hoisting ceremonies and tributes at the National Memorial in the islands.

Doctrinal Legacy: The historic event remains an enduring pillar of India's military history, symbolizing the indomitable quest for complete sovereignty and self-determination.