Port Blair, Mar. 10: A solemn function was organized by Directorate of Art & Culture today at Chatham Memorial to commemorate the arrival of the first batch of freedom fighters of 1857 in the Islands. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Art & Culture, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS led the Islanders in paying rich tributes to the heroes of first war of Independence. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary laid wreath at the memorial as a mark of respect to the freedom fighters.

Floral tributes are also offered by the Senior Officers by A&N Administration, Members of Local Born Association besides old inhabitants of the Islands and others at the Memorial.

March 10 commemorates the arrival of the first batch of freedom fighters of 1857 to these Islands.