Port Blair, Oct 31: The A & N State Cooperative Bank has organised a Felicitation programme on 28th October, 2O16 in the premises of its Head Office to honour Olympian Dipa Karmakar, the Ace Finalist of Rio Olympics 2016.
She is the first Indian in 52 years to qualify and represent India in Gymnastics (Produnova category) in an Olympic games. Shri Bhagat Singh, Chairman, Smti Laxmi Singh, W/o Shri Bhagat Singh, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Vice-Chairman, Shri Dulal Karmakar, Father of Ms. Dipa Karmakar, Board of Directors of the Bank, Shri Ravinder Rao, Managing Director, Shri K Murugan, Chief General Manager, Eminent Sports persons of the Islands, Media persons, Bank Officials and a large number of general public attended the programme.
In the beginning, Shri Ravinder Rao, Maruging Director of the Bank welcomed Ms. Dipa Karmakar whole-heartedly on behalf of A & N State Cooperative Bank. He also welcomed all the dignitaries and delegates present on the Dias.
He further informed that it is a matter of great honour for A & N State Cooperative Bank to felicitate Olympian Dipa Karmakar in the 5Oth year of the Bank. He also informed that ANSCB had started its journey in the year 1966 with a meager amount of Rs.86,000/- and by now the turn over of the bank has reached to Rs. 1100 crores with the bank extending its service to every corner of the Islands.
Ms. Dipa Karmakar, Olympian in her key note address expressed gratitude and appreciated the efforts of A & N State Cooperative Bank in arranging such a marvelous function. She also urged that even being on a personal trip to Andamans, she has received tremendous support and honour from the people of Andamans.
She informed that the Journey to Olympics was not an easy task. She appreciated the support she had received from her parents, DG – Sports Authority of India and the entire people of the Country which could make possible for her to earn honour and pride for the Nation. Olympian Dipa Karmakar unveiled the 50th Year Logo of Andaman & Nicobar State Cooperative Bank Ltd.
Shri Bhagat Singh, Chairman, ANSCB presented a Momento , a 24 Carat gold plated Golden Rose and a cheque amounting to Rs.I,00,OOO/- to Olympian Dipa Karmakar. Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Bank in his address appreciated Olympian Dipa Karmakar for making it to the finals of Rio Olympics and making the Nation proud. He further appreciated that Dipa Karmakar dispite being from one of the remotest corner of India – Tripura has brought laurels for the Country with her determination, dedication and hard work. Shri Sharma said that the achievement of Ms. Dipa Karmakar in the recently concluded Olympic will certainly inspire much more young athlete to adopt Gymnatic which will help in improving the popularity and overall standard of this sport in India.
Even though she missed the medal with a whisker, her achievement were well acknowledged and admired by the nation by presenting her with prestigious “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan Award”‘ He has also appreciated SAI in extending support to Ms’ Dipa Karmakar for her achievement in GymnasticTo conclude Shri Sharma said that, not only he but the entire nation is very much optimistic of Ms. Dipa Karmakar giving better performances and winning medals in the international arena in the forthcoming competitions. The function was also graced by inviting eminent local sports persons and International & National medal winner Sport persons of the Islands, who were honoured by presenting bouquet by the Management of ANSCB.
At the end, Shri K. Murugan, Chief General Manager expressed his whole hearted thanks on behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff members to Khel Ratan Awardee Ms. Dipa Karmakar for sparing her valuable time and attending the felicitation programme.
