Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 20: The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only Joint Armed Forces Command, successfully concluded the second annual Dweep Diksha Dialogue 2024, a two-day international seminar commemorating 20 years of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Held from 19–20 December at Sri Vijaya Puram, the seminar revolved around the theme “Recalling the 2004 Tsunami & Prospects for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)” and emphasized the importance of regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
The seminar commenced with a welcome address by Rear Admiral Biplab Hota VSM, Chief of Staff, HQ ANC. This was followed by the keynote address by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, who underlined the need for regional collaboration in disaster management. The inaugural address was delivered by Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM Bar (Retd), a former Army Commander and member of the NDMA, highlighting India’s leadership in humanitarian efforts.
Day 1 featured three engaging sessions. Session 1, moderated by Mr. Shiv Aroor, focused on recalling the 2004 Tsunami. Air Cmde BS Krishna Kumar KC, VM (Retd) and Cmde Benny Antony NM (Retd) shared operational insights from the disaster, followed by an inspiring narrative from Ms Meghana Rajshekhar, a Carnicobar tsunami survivor.
Session 2, began with an invitation talk by Mr. Vijay Gokhale, Ex-Foreign Secretary, who discussed India’s future in the Indian Ocean Region. The session, moderated by Cmde Srikant Kesnur VSM (Retd), explored India’s strategic outlook in the Indian Ocean Region. Contributions from Mr. Gautam Chikermane, Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, and Prof Srikanth Kondapalli highlighted India’s grand strategy, historical perspectives, and its geopolitical positioning in the region.
Session 3, moderated by AVM Anil Golani AVSM, VM (Retd), addressed India’s HADR capabilities and leadership in disaster response. Vice Admiral Suraj Berry AVSM, NM, VSM, Commander in Chief Strategic Forces Command (C-in-C SFC), discussed India’s role in tsunami operations in Sri Lanka. Air Cmde Nitin Sathe VM (Retd) talked about leadership and operational roles, while Prof Janki Andharia emphasized gender-sensitive disaster response.
Day 2 began with Session 4, moderated by Prof Janki Andharia, focusing on the IOR’s HADR capabilities. The session featured presentations by Mr. Nitin Gokhale and AVM Anil Golani AVSM, VM (Retd), who discussed inter-agency collaboration and the military’s role in disaster response. Following this session, Ms B Glory, born aboard INS Gharial during tsunami relief operations, shared her moving story of resilience, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Session 5, moderated by Cmde Srikant Kesnur VSM (Retd), delved into the challenges and prospects of regional cooperation in disaster management. The speakers—DIG PB Mandal, Cdr MC Chandeep, and Mr. Shiv Aroor—highlighted operational synergies and the critical role of media in disaster scenarios.
The event concluded with a closing address by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), reaffirming ANC’s commitment to regional cooperation under the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Delegates also visited the Tsunami Memorial at Carnicobar to pay homage to lives affected by the 2004 disaster and toured iconic landmarks like the Cellular Jail at Sri Vijaya Puram, fostering regional solidarity and resilience.
The Dweep Diksha Dialogue 2024 successfully reinforced ANC’s role in enhancing disaster response and regional cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
