Port Blair, April 18: Noted theater/cinema artist Shri Naresh Chander Lall, who recently received Padma Shree award was today felicitated by the Hon’ble Lt Governor Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Raj Niwas for his outstanding achievement. On the occasion, the Lt Governor also released a Tourism department brochure on ‘Andamans-Soul of Indian Freedom Movement’ to mark the celebration of World Heritage Day. The brochure titled ‘Heritage Circuit’ is an attempt to highlight and promote the heritage of the islands amongst the tourist & visitors.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated Padmashree Naresh Chander Lall for his outstanding achievement and making the people of the Islands feel proud. He said that the heritage of A&N Islands is very unique and different from other places, and many people have contributed to this over the years, starting with the Tribals, Pre-42 islanders and the settlers who have made the islands their homes over the years. All of us have to live in harmony to take the Islands forward.
He further said, there are two identities which are above all other identities. Firstly, the people of the Islands are proud Indians and secondly they all belong to the A&N Islands. The past of the Islands is a saga of sacrifice, selflessness and contribution to the National cause and we have to move forward using this rich past as our base and great heritage.
Referring to the issues raised by Padmashree Naresh Chander Lall, the Lt Governor directed the Secretary (Art & Culture) to work out a mechanism for single window clearance for film shooting in the Islands. He further said that art & culture in the islands will get a good boost with the setting up of Kala Kendra and publishing of a quarterly magazine on various issues & topics related to the Islands.
Sharing his views, Padmashree Naresh Chander Lall expressed his gratitude that his work has been recognized and he was conferred with the high civilian award of the country, which he said is a matter of great pride and honour. He also urged the Department of Art & Culture for making the Islands a film shooting destination. This can be possible by way of infrastructure development and introducing single window system for granting film shooting permissions. He also urged for documentation of art works done by former and present artists of the Islands.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, the Secretary (Tourism, Art & Culture), Smt Ankita Mishra Bundela said that every year April 18 is celebrated as World Heritage Day. The objective for celebrating the day is to remind the people of our extra ordinary heritage.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Director (Art & Culture), Shri Dev Das. Chief Secretary, Adhyaksha, ZP (SA), Smt Rupa Ray and senior officers of the Administration and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Leave a Reply