Port Blair, Jan 8: The much awaited annual event of the Isles, Island Tourism Festival – 2016, got off to a colourful start at a glittering ceremony at ITF Ground, VIP Road here this evening.
The Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen A.K. Singh (Retd.), chief guest of the function, lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the commencement of the eleven-day long fete. The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, the guest of honour of the function, Smt. Rupa Ray, Chief Secretary i/c, Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi, PBMC Chairperson, Smt. Sheela Singh, Adhyaksha, ZPSA, Smt. Minati Biswas, Senior Officers of the Administration, tourism stakeholders and a large number of people attended this programme.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor stated that from the earlier ‘Kala Paani’, these Islands are today known for its mesmerizing blue waters and the slogan ‘Emerald, Blue and You’ is indeed befitting. The Lt Governor, however, urged all citizens to co-operate with the civic authorities in maintaining cleanliness in the Isles under the ‘Swatch Bharat Abhiyan’, launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi.
The Lt Governor stated that about 1000 local artistes are participating in this festival. Their selection has been done in a very transparent manner, he said.
“The Island Tourism Festival aims at showcasing ‘Vibrant Andaman’”, said the Lt Governor, inviting one and all to join the revelries during the fete.
The Lt Governor also mentioned that the Administration is chalking out an event calendar for the entire year so that everyone can participate in, and enjoy these events throughout the year. The Lt Governor stated that Kala Kendra that has been established in the Islands require dynamism and momentum. He urged the concerned authorities to include the PBMC Chairperson so that she can also suggest activities under this.
The Lt Governor also spoke about the MoU that has been signed between the A&N Administration and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations under which artistes from abroad shall be invited to perform in the Islands.
The Lt Governor concluded his speech by expressing hope that the A&N Islands will prosper like never before in the year ahead through the joint and collective efforts of all.
In his brief address, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray welcomed the artistes from mainland who have come here to perform and also those from the islands, to enjoy the festivities in the islands for the next 11 days.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the Secretary Tourism Smt. Ankita Mishra Bundela stated that the Islands Tourism festival has become an intrinsic part of these Islands. She also informed about the journey of the ITF that began in 1987 as ‘Apna Utsav’, which went on to be known as ‘Islands on the March’ later on. However, in the year 1994, a comprehensive Island Tourism Festival was organized for the first time which continues till date. She also informed that besides Port Blair, South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman and Car Nicobar, programmes under the ITF will also be organized, for the very first time, in the Nancowry group of Islands this time.
The highlight of the inaugural function was the enchanting Bharatnatyam performance by the classical dancer from Puducherry, Ms Kritika, a bouquet of colourful cultural presentations by the visiting artistes from different states of the country and a hilarious comic presentation by the Police Entertainment Team.
The Island Tourism Festival is being organized under the aegis of Tourism Department of the A&N Administration. The Director Tourism, Dr. P Viswakannan proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the inaugural ceremony.
Undisputedly, our festival “Island on March” at Netaji Ground more than a decade and half ago was the best of all times, like old hindi melodies. Now, in the name of festival they have, eateries in abundance, which may account for around 50%. Surprisingly, this year we have commercial business houses viz. Goenka’s, Surat Khazana etc. in the name of Island Festival.