Fort William in the Eastern Command Kolkata was renamed Vijay Durg in honour of the victory in the 1971 war.

The Indian Army's Eastern Command Fort William has been renamed Vijay Durg in 2025, a significant change in India's efforts to reclaim its historical and cultural identity to honour its military heritage. The decision reflects the heritage of the present era and India's rich history, valour and sovereignty.

The name Vijay Durg means "Fort of Victory", a symbol of India's military strength, resilience and strategic excellence. Fort William, as the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, is an important base for the Indian Defence Forces. The name is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who guard India's borders. By adopting the name Vijay Durg, the armed forces reaffirm India's commitment to military excellence, preparedness and national security. The word "Vijay" (victory) resonates with the victorious legacy of the Indian Army, which includes the 1971 war, which was fought under the command and control of the Headquarters Eastern Command. The victory in the 1971 war against the Pakistani forces is celebrated as Vijay Diwas every December. Hence, the fort is named Vijay Durg after Vijay Diwas.

Since independence, India has gradually taken steps to remove the foreign colonial imprint from its institutions, cities and historical sites. Fort William was built by the British in 1696 and named after King William III of England, making it a symbol of colonial rule. The names of the British era do not fit with Indian tradition. Therefore, the name was changed to Vijay Fort in the national interest.

The renaming of Fort William to Vijay Durg is deeply rooted in the nationalist movement aimed at reviving India's lost heritage. Many places in India still bear names given by colonial rulers, which do not represent the country's true cultural and historical identity. By choosing an indigenous name, the government reinforces the idea that India should celebrate its own heroes, history and heritage rather than carry forward the remnants of British rule. The move resonates with the larger sentiment of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', which commemorates India's progress since independence.

Symbol of military tradition and future readiness: –

Fort William has been a symbol of India's military preparedness for centuries.
As the headquarters of the Eastern Command, it has played a vital role in India's defence strategies, including: –

• The Indo-China War of 1962

• Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971

• Counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast

Renaming Fort William to Vijay Durg is a bold step towards reclaiming India's cultural and military heritage. It honours the valour of Indian soldiers, while eliminating colonial symbols. The move reinforces national identity, military heritage and strategic significance, ensuring that India's history reflects its own achievements rather than its colonial past. With this renaming, India firmly establishes its self-reliance, pride and commitment to defending its sovereignty, marking a new chapter in the country's journey towards a stronger and more self-defined future.