Port Blair, May 02: Under the backdrop of Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav the Department of International Relations, Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ), Cheri-Manatu, Ranchi, organised a two-day National Seminar on “India’s Freedom Movement and Untold
Stories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands” during 28th -29th April 2022, Sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Biswas, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, CUJ was the Convener of the seminar. Dr. Biswas basically a resident of Vivekananda Pur, Little Andaman of A & N Islands.
During the Seminar thirty seven research papers were presented by various scholars from different parts of India and abroad. Prof. Raj Kumar Kothari, Professor & Head, Department of Political Science, Diamond Harbour Women’s’ University, West Bengal; Prof. Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, Professor & Head, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Dr. Alok Kumar Gupta, Head & Dean Department of International Relations, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, CUJ; Prof. Dev Vrat Singh, Professor & former Head, Department of Mass Communication and former Dean, School of Mass Communication and Media Technologies, CUJ; Dr. Vimal Kishor, Associate Professor & Dean, Department of Education, School of Education, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manati, Ranchi, Jharkhand; Dr. K. M. Parivelan, Associate Professor, Centre for Statelessness and Refugee Studies, School of Law, Rights and Constitutional Governance, Tata Institute of Social Science Research, Mumbai; Dr. Debasish Nandy, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Political Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, West Bengal; Dr. Swapan Kumar Biswas, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Political Science, MGG College, Mayabunder; Dr. Hema Bannerjee, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Economics, JNRM, Port Blair, were among the participants.
During Inaugural Session of the Seminar Dr. Biswas gave an insight into history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dr. B B Biswas elaborated the importance of A&N Islands and its relevance during pre and post colonial history. He further narrated the story of the islands and its contribution in India’s Freedom Movement. The beautiful and mystic islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Cellular Jail, in particular, played a pivotal role in the Indian nationalist movement. Despite being located far from the Indian mainland, the significant role of the A & N Islands in the Indian freedom struggle can’t be undermined. Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupied an intimate association in the history of India’s Freedom Movement. From ancient times to modern history, its unique geographical location played an important role in human history. Dr. Gupta during his Welcome address highlighted the atrocities conducted on the prisoners in Cellular Jail. Savarkar was also jailed there for ten years and in his book he has mentioned the level of pain he and other inmates went through the term. He also mentioned the relevance of this topic from the contemporary maritime security in Indo-Pacific region. Prof. Kothari, during his Keynote address he spoke about Rabindranath Tagore and his concept of nationalism connecting it to the “Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”. He further said that Tagore did not adhere to the traditional idea of nationalism but his idea was non-oriental; non-native and non-Indian. He believed to be a patriot one does not have to be a part of the nation. Tagore supported the Indian freedom struggle but had a different vision for nation. The Presidential address was given by Prof Manoj Kumar, Dean Academic Affairs, CUJ, who emphasized on need of such seminars to bring together academic ideas and minds.
Various professors and research scholars from all over India also presented their insightful and interesting papers on various topics related to untold stories of Andaman and Nicobar. Some of the topics were “Battle of Aberdeen: The Untold Story of Andamanese”; “Deep Pluralism of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Shadow of Extra-regional Powers”; “Renaming of the Andaman Islands after Bose: A Tinge of Irony or a Political Masterstroke?”; “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Andaman: Revisit with some Unanswered Questions”; “Post-Independent Settlement: A Unique Society in Andaman”; “Post-colonial Migration in the Context of Nationalistic Imagination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A History from the Below”; “Life and Culture of Indigenous People of Andaman and Nicobar Islands”; “Post 1942 Settlement and Matua Culture in Andaman and Nicobar Islands”; “Diversity and Unity in Andaman And Nicobar Islands: A Comparative Study Between Andaman and Nicobar Islands And Northern India”. The researchers talked about the Japanese rule in Andaman Islands, the history of the islands, the current strategic importance of the islands and the politics in and around the islands. On this occasion
The Valedictory address was given by Prof. Utham Kumar Jamdhagni and he commented that although these two days insights were given about the islands but still a lot is left for us to see and discover about the Islands. Andaman Islands and the Malacca strait hold a very strategic importance for India’s maritime security and for countering China in Indian Ocean. We should recognise the importance of ANIs and cherish the rich history/culture of India. We have a lot to learn from our glorious heritage like the Cholas used the islands for their maritime trade. It is now that we should also focus on this aspect.
All the participants and scholars were of the opinion that this type of Seminar must be organised throughout the country to generate nationalism among the young generation and they must know the sacrifices of Freedom Fighters. It is also felt that very little is known about ANIs and its contribution to India’s Special Economic Zone and its maritime security. ANIs had played a pivotal role since ancient time and in the contemporary time these islands became one of the prominent places for India in-terms of strategic advancement. The seminar came to end with a formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Nitesh Bhatia and Dr. Aparna from CUJ.
