Port Blair, Jan 11: The beautiful territory of Andaman & Nicobar Island truly exemplifies ‘unity in diversity’ and represents a ‘Mini India’ with people from various parts of the country as also our indigenous tribes living here in perfect harmony, said the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee while addressing a huge assemblage of people who gathered at the historic Netaji Stadium. In honour of the visiting President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Port Blair Municipal Council organised a ‘Civic Reception’ at the Netaji Stadium here this evening.
Lauding the unique cohesive multi cultural and multi linguistic society of these islands where all are living in harmony, setting an example to the rest of the country, the President said, “Each visit reinforces my admiration for the people of this territory-A&N Islands”. “I marvel at the immense natural beauty and splendour of our islands- the rich forest and marine wealth, coastal flora & fauna, along with beaches of extraordinary beauty-still retaining their pristine glory”, said the President.
The President said every time he visited these islands, he felt privileged at the opportunity to pay homage to the freedom fighters in this hallowed territory, where they underwent great hardship and struggle to secure our independence. “Our National Memorial, the Cellular Jail bears testimony to the sacrifices made by them”, said the President. The President also mentioned about the visit of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to these Islands and hoisting of the national tri-colour by Netaji at the historic Netaji Stadium on Dec. 30, 1943.
Recalling his visit soon after tsunami, the President said these islands are vulnerable to various kinds of disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami and cyclone. The resilience of the people coupled with the efforts of the government have helped achieve the mammoth task of reconstruction and rehabilitation post tsunami, the President said, also mentioning about the two cyclones ‘Phailin’ and ‘Lehar’ that the islands faced recently and how the Administration with the support of the people, dealt with these disasters admirably and stoically. The President also articulated his happiness about the successful conduct of a major disaster management exercise across the Islands in November 2013.
The President acknowledged the special place, the A&N Islands occupy in the 21st Century as the global balance of power and focus shifts from West to Asia Pacific. “Having a dedicated tri-service command highlights the strategic position of these Islands from defence point of view”, said the President, adding that the Islands are not only the maritime gateway to the Bay of Bengal but also overlooking the major international sea route. Therefore the A&N Islands have the potential to be a spring board for India’s engagement with not just South-East Asia but the Indo-Pacific region as well. “The Islands have the potential to develop as one of India’s significant trading, shipping and tourist hubs”, the President said.
The President called upon the citizens to face the challenges together to accomplish the full potential of the Islands. “We are committed to meeting the challenges the Islands face, and I will ensure that the required impetus is given wherever necessary”, the President said.
Having a word for the extremely talented children of these islands, the President encouraged them to take the Islands and our motherland to greater heights. “You are our hope for the future in a rapidly transforming world, with your boundless energy and enthusiasm; you have tremendous potential and the opportunity to be the agents of change. Where there is a will, there is a way!”, the President said.
The President also complimented the people of Port Blair, PBMC and the Administration for their enchanting clean & green town of Port Blair. “I am indeed touched by your affection and thank you for your warm welcome”. “I feel responsible for the territory where our freedom fighters spent their toughest years, and will endeavor to contribute towards its growth and development”, said the President to the citizens.
Welcoming the President, the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd) A.K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM remarked that people of these Islands have fond memories of the visit of Shri Pranab Mukherjee as a Parliamentarian and Union Minister. “The developmental measures taken by you in various capacities as Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Finance and Defence Minister have left an indelible mark on the Islands as well”, said the Lt. Governor.
The Islands are an integral part of the country’s history and heritage and are closely associated with the struggle of India’s independence, the Lt. Governor said adding that the existence of these islands is known to the world from early days on account of its strategic location on the trade routes for India and far east. “The Islands have weathered both British and Japanese occupation and our National Memorial keeps on inspiring us as to the need to preserve and nurture our hard won freedom”, the Lt. Governor said.
Speaking about the colourful, secular fabric of the Isles, the Lt. Governor said we are very proud of our legacy and realize that this unique blend and amity is our strength.
Elaborating the Administration’s vision for these Islands, the Lt. Governor reiterated the need to endorse sustainable and inclusive growth of Islands keeping ecological concerns and issues of tribal welfare to the fore. “Enhancing employment opportunities for our youth, improving connectivity with mainland and between Islands and ensuring strategic security, are important elements of this vision”, said the Lt. Governor.
He also gave an outline of the focus areas that have been identified to achieve this vision which includes development of key sectors like tourism, cottage industries, fisheries and IT enabled services, strengthening health, education, sports, telecommunication, transport, security and disaster management infrastructure, expanding skill development opportunities by setting up vocational training centres in far flung areas, implementing the food security scheme of the Government of India as well as improving the performance of our Public Distribution System, making our local bodies more vibrant and setting up of a Tribal Research Institute to work in partnership with indigenous communities. The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the measures being taken to achieve these goals.
The Lt. Governor also spoke about the conduct of the mock disaster management exercise in November 2013 during which the Administration upgraded the infrastructure and identified many gaps in the preparedness towards disaster management and is working towards removing them.
The Lt. Governor also expressed his concern for the unemployed youth. In view of the anguish of the people and special circumstances prevailing in the Islands, the Administration has requested the Union Home Minister that the youth of the Islands be given preference in group ‘C’ and group ‘B’ posts in A&N Administration. “A legally and administratively acceptable framework is to be worked out for this”, said the Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor reiterated that the Administration’s endevour is to ensure a more responsive, effective and transparent Administration and its approach is of zero tolerance to corruption.
The Lt. Governor expressed confidence that the visit of the President of India will bolster the morale of the Administration and the people in the days to come and we shall moved steadfastly towards our goals.
The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray also spoke on the occasion and expressed his gratitude towards the President of India for visiting these islands.
Earlier, the Chairperson, Port Blair Municipal Council, Shri K. Ganeshan welcomed the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee on this memorable occasion. He also presented a memento to the President on the occasion.
The ‘Civic Reception’ concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Sr. Vice Chairperson, PBMC, Shri I.P. Singh.
A magnificent cultural programme by the students of Andaman & Nicobar Islands drew loud applause from the dignitaries as well as the people present on the occasion. It was a magnificent backdrop of the Marina, Indian Navy ships and Ross Island and above all, the pristine emerald blue waters of Andamans.
Later, on reaching the Raj Niwas, the Lt. Governor briefed the President on the challenges and issues facing the islands and requested the President for his support in resolving these challenges.
