Indian National Flag unfurled on one of the uninhabited islands near Ramanathapuram to mark the Republic Day on Monday.
In a landmark strategic and patriotic initiative, the Indian National Flag was unfurled across 16 uninhabited and remote islands in the Ramanathapuram district to mark the nation’s 77th Republic Day.
The operation, conducted under the direct mandate of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, transformed the Gulf of Mannar’s isolated outcrops into symbols of national unity.
The initiative followed a high-level order from the Ministry of Home Affairs to celebrate Republic Day not just in mainland cities, but across every inch of Indian territory, including uninhabited maritime zones.
Under the guidance of the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Coastal Security Group, a massive multi-agency coordination was launched to reach these geographically challenging locations.
The flag-hoisting mission saw a rare convergence of India’s maritime and administrative power. Teams comprised of: The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard providing tactical transport and security; The Coastal Security Group and Forest Department managing local navigation and environmental protocols; Fisheries Department officials and NCC Cadets representing the future of coastal communities.
The tricolour was successfully unfurled at Arichal Munai—the tip of Dhanushkodi—and across 14 uninhabited islands, including the strategically positioned Nallathanni, Appa, Thalaiyari, and Muyal (Hare) islands.
The centre piece of the maritime celebration took place at Kurusadai and Shingle islands. The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Sanjeev Kumar Singh, representing the Border Management-II division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Accompanying him was P. Balakrishnan, Additional Superintendent of Police for the Ramanathapuram Coastal Security Group. Their presence underscored the government’s focus on “Integrated Border Management,” ensuring a constant and visible state presence in sensitive coastal corridors, said a official press statement.
While traditional celebrations took place in the town centres of Madurai and Ramanathapuram, this island-hopping mission served a deeper purpose: asserting India’s territorial integrity and maritime surveillance.
By involving National Cadet Corps (NCC) students and local fishing communities, the administration successfully bridged the gap between remote geography and national identity.
Published – January 26, 2026 08:33 pm IST
