Rename Andaman & Nicobar as 'Azad Hind': Former MP
23 Jan 2026

Former Member of Parliament K Kavitha has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as "Azad Hind," NDTV has reported.

The request was made on the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Parakram Diwas.

In her letter to the Prime Minister's Office, Kavitha highlighted that although some islands have been renamed in recent years, namely, Ross, Neil, and Havelock were renamed in 2018, the entire archipelago still carries colonial-era names.

Kavitha's letter emphasizes historical significance of Azad Hind
Historical legacy

In her letter, Kavitha stressed that renaming the islands would honor the Provisional Government of Azad Hind. This government had declared the islands as India's first liberated territory from British rule in 1943.

She argued that Azad Hind is not just a name but a symbol of India's first taste of freedom under Netaji's leadership.

Kavitha's letter calls for constitutional and administrative action
Name change

Kavitha's letter also called on the Union Government to take constitutional and administrative steps to change the name.

She said renaming the entire union territory would bring India's geography in line with Netaji's dream of a free nation, free from colonial influences.

Speaking to NDTV, she said, "Andaman and Nicobar is a name given by the British and not us. So 'Azad Hind' must be the name."

Kavitha's proposal seen as tribute to Azad Hind Fauj
Tribute proposal

Kavitha also said that her proposal would be a fitting tribute to the Azad Hind Fauj.

She said it would serve as an "eternal beacon" for India's youth, reminding them of their ancestors' sacrifices in the fight for freedom.

The Telangana Jagruthi president was formerly associated with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and served as the Member of Parliament from Nizamabad from 2014 to 2019.