Port Blair, Feb 16: The family of late Mr. Samir Acharya presented the Samir Acharyamemorial award for conservation of coastal and island ecosystems today.Theaward was presented by Mrs. Geetanjali Acharya to Mr. Ashraf Hanif, s/oof retd Dy. Director Education Dr. Leela Verghese. The award was given inthe presence of Mr. Rajesh Anand, a generous philanthropist of theseislands who also is a part of the Acharya family. The function was held atUmmat Public School.
Mr. Samir Acharya was a renowned environmentalist and dedicated hisentire life to the islands. Mr. Samir Acharya was instrumental in the Supreme Court orderof 2002 on the ban of sea sand mining, ban of deforestation and ban oninflux of non-islanders.
Mr. Samir Acharya was awarded the Earth Hero title for his fight to protect the indigenouscommunities and one of his greatest achievements was the ban onintroduction of exotic fish species to the islands.
Mr. Ashraf Hanif, the recipient of the award this year was nominated andwon over many other short listed candidates because Mr. Ashraf has beenstriving for the last 15 years to protect the fragile ecosystem of theseIslands. His team of environmental crusaders collects garbage from the
islands, segregates it at his facility in Dollygunj, bails it into compressedform and then ships it to the mainland for recycling.
Mr. Samir Acharya is a youth icon and an inspiration to the youth and children of theseislands. Mr. Samir Acharya reminds that there are noble souls who love their motherlandand strive to keep it clean.During the ceremony, Mr. Rajesh Anand and Mrs. Acharya donated someeducational items to the Principal, Ummat Public School Madam Selvi.
The function was coordinated by Samhita Veda Acharya, daughter of lateMr. Samir Acharya.
