Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 24: The Department of Political Science, MGGC, Mayabunder on the 24th April 2026, celebrated the National Panchayati Raj Day 2026, with much enthusiasm and vigour. The theme of the celebration was the “Role of Women Representative in PRIS with special reference to North & Middle Andaman District”. The event was graced by a number of distinguished guests and delegates who also happened to be members of the Panchayat system in the North & Middle Andaman District. Mr. R. Madhavan, the Up- Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad, Mayabunder was present as the chief guest. Among others, Mrs. P. Chandrawati, Zilla Parishad member, Mr. Saw Thomson, Pradhan Gram Panchayat, Rampur and Mr. Anand, Up-Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Rampur were present in the event.
The Principal Dr. R.V.R. Murthy in his welcome speech deliberated upon the history and implementation of the Panchayati Raj System and specifically emphasized on the equal participation of women in the local panchayat systems. He pointed out to the fact that there is still a significant lack of women representatives in the local panchayat bodies in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and encouraged equal participation. Mr. R. Madhavan in his engaging speech recounted the long history of the implementation of the Panchayati Raj System and explained how the 3-tier Panchayat system functions in India including Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He emphasized on the fact that all local governing bodies and development authorities work hand in hand with the Panchayat System. Moreover he emphasized on women empowerment and more participation of women which will ultimately pave the way for more women’ s reservation in the Panchayat System than the existing one. Mr. Saw Thomson spoke about individual rights under the PRI system and general awareness about public safety and security. Lastly Dr. M. Selvam, Assistant Professor of History, in his speech spoke about the roles played by Mahatma Gandhi and Jwahar Lal Nehru in the implementation of the PRI system in the early years of independence. He recounted that the Panchayat system in India even dates back to the Vedic period.
The second part of the event included a technical session and presentations from students on the topic ‘Role of Women Representative in PRIS with special reference to North & Middle Andaman District’. The event concluded with prize and certificate distribution for the students and with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Mridula Samaddar, Ms. Heena and Mr. Rahul Raj.
