Manohar Parrikar addresses an event in Port Blair as part of '70 Saal Azadi - Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani'.
Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, union defence minister Manohar Parrikar today paid rich tributes to freedom fighters who were imprisoned in the Cellular Jail at the Andaman Islands.
At a programme '70 Saal Azadi-Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani' held in the premises of the jail, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all ministers to personally visit places of historical importance in freedom struggle to remind people of the contributions of freedom fighters.
Mr Parrikar released a set of post cards of paintings on heritage and brochure on 'Heritage Walk-Naqsh-e-Kadam' and also inaugurated an art exhibition on freedom movement in the art gallery at the jail.
On arrival, Mr Parrikar placed wreath at the Martyr's Column and visited the solitary cell where Veer Savarkar was kept. He also participated in a bike rally by riding pillion.
Later, Mr Parrikar met the family members of defence personnel who were on-board the missing AN-32 flight.