Sri Vijaya Puram, May 15: In a significant step towards youth empowerment and employment generation, the Andaman & Nicobar Police has facilitated a professional diving training programme for unemployed youth belonging to the Karen community in Mayabunder, North & Middle Andaman District. The initiative was sponsored by Mr. Fateh Jahaan Singh Dhaliwal, student of Class XII from The Mr. Ram School, Gurugram, who is himself an advanced open water diver and has been working with ANET, Dakshin Foundation in the area of coral reef regeneration.
The programme aims to equip local youth with specialised diving skills, thereby creating promising employment opportunities in the tourism and marine sectors across the islands. The training was conducted by a PADI-certified instructor from Lacadives, while the coordination and support for the programme was also provided by the Andaman & Nicobar Police as a part of its community outreach program. The participants received extensive practical and safety training in scuba diving and underwater operations.
The participating youth displayed remarkable enthusiasm, discipline, and commitment throughout the course. A total of 10 youths underwent the training programme, out of whom 09 successfully completed the course and earned internationally recognised PADI certification, significantly enhancing their employability in the diving and tourism industry.
Through such initiatives, the Andaman & Nicobar Police continues to promote skill development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities, while also encouraging meaningful social participation towards the welfare and advancement of island youth.
Upon completion of the programme, Mrs. Shweta K. Sugathan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (PMF), interacted with the participants and appreciated them for their successful completion of the course and encouraged them to utilise the acquired skills for building a bright and self-reliant future.
