Car Nicobar, Jan 08: The first Carnic Festival-2012 at Bishop John Richardson Stadium, Tamaloo village, Car Nicobar was inaugurated yesterday by the Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lt Gen(Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM amidst a large gathering including tribal leaders, artists, officers of the Tourism, District Administration and Air Force.
In a simple and yet impressive function, groups of Nicobari children presented their traditional performances including one patriotic Hindi song entitled `zindabad hamara desh’ conveying the great culture of our country.
Gotipua Odishi Nrutya was performed by the young boys of tender age from Odhissa. Dressed up as girls, this group of boys performed the Nrutya with rhythms of acrobatic postures which got a thunderous applause from the crowd. The festival will last for five days and conclude on 11th January.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor first extended his best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to the people. He stated that the Administration was making all out efforts to take tourism activities in far flung islands so that people of those islands can witness the events of the Island Tourism Festival without having to travel long distances. The Lt. Governor stated that the Carnic Festival will now be organised every year. The cultural troupes from different States from the country will perform here and will go back with fond memories of their interaction with Nicobarese people who are known for their peace loving nature and hospitability. The Lt. Governor also appreciated the performance of Nicobarese Cultural Troupes which have always been a part of the Island Tourism Festival, the Andaman Day at Delhi and World Tourism Day as well. The Lt. Governor also called upon the Nicobari people to continue to strengthen their unique joint family system and adopt best practices to maintain and enrich their unique culture.
The Lt. Governor also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by different departments, Tribal Council, Ellon Hinengo Ltd and the Air Force at the venue. The Chief Captain, Tribal Council, Mr. Aberdeen Blair thanked the Lt. Governor for organising this festival which will go a long way in cementing the bonds between the people of Nicobar and the people of other parts of the country.
Before inaugurating the Carnic Festival, the Lt. Governor unveiled the statue of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Malacca village and paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation. Bishop Rt. Rev. Christopher Paul gave the blessings and Ramdhun was played as a mark of respect to the Father of the Nation.
The Lt. Governor during his visit also inaugurated the newly constructed Out Patient Department at BJR Hospital. The Lt. Governor took round of the hospital and interacted with the local crowd and impressed upon the Health Department to keep the highest standards of hygiene at the hospital premises and to ensure the best possible medical care for the people.
Mr. Satish Mathur, Secretary (Tourism), Dr. S.K. Sharma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (UD), Mr. Rupesh Kumar Thakur, Deputy Commissioner, Car Nicobar, Mr. R.K. Verma, officiating Superintendent of Police and Dr. S.K. Paul, Director of Health Services were also present during the functions.
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