Andaman to celebrate arrival of first batch of freedom fighters

Port Blair, Mar 9 (UNI) Andaman and Nicobar Andaman will tomorrow organise a grand home-coming function for the first batch of freedom heroes to these Islands, way back in 1858.

Each year, a solemn function is organised on March 10 at the Memorial of 1857 at Port Blair to pay homage to all the heroes of 1st War of Independence.

''This year is, however, very special as it would mark the completion of 150 years of the arrival of the first batch of freedom Fighters in Andamans in the year 1858,'' Rashida Iqbal the incharge of Andaman's Cultural unit told UNI today.

These Freedom Fighters, their descendants and the later settlers drawn from all corners of the country, with their different religions and linguistic back ground later laid the foundation of a unique society in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This historic day is being commemorated in a manner so as to generate a sense of participation of the people and values, which emerged out of the sacrifices of these heroes of our freedom movement, Rashida added.

A function will be organised by Andaman's Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, at the Memorial of 1857 here at Marina Park, where floral tributes will be paid to the heroes of 1857.

A foundation stone of the Memorial will be laid in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Arrival of First batch of Freedom Fighters to these islands.

UNI SKR LL RN1609