Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the Foundation Day of the A&N Islands and stated that unity in diversity is the identity of India. He said that Indian culture is a culture of unity and togetherness, which represents the very soul of the nation. He further observed that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are poised to emerge as a gateway to the country’s security and prosperity in the coming years and will establish an indelible identity on the global tourism map.
Addressing the grand Foundation Day celebration held at Tagore Government College, Sri Vijaya Puram, on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Foundation Days of several States and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, are being celebrated together by people across the country. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the nation is experiencing a renewed sense of unity. During the festive season, a new enthusiasm for development is visible among tribal communities, while people are once again coming together with a firm resolve to realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. Just as the confluence of different musical notes creates beautiful music, the collective celebration of festivals belonging to different religions in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands generates a renewed spirit of harmony and enthusiasm in society.
The celebration conveyed a strong message of national unity by bringing together the Foundation Days of various States and Union Territories. On the occasion, people originally belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Keralam, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, as well as Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry, who have settled in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, showcased glimpses of their respective cultures through colourful cultural performances.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that India is a confluence of diverse cultures. Describing Mother India through the symbolic triad of Mother Ganga, Mother Cow and Mother Earth, he said that the country represents the confluence of three distinct cultural traditions. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to all the cultures of India, offering a unique example of unity in diversity and presenting a true glimpse of Miniature India.
Dr. Sharma said that although India was plundered by foreign invaders, they could never destroy its culture, literature and traditions. Those who came to loot India eventually faced decline. Britain, which once ruled India, has weakened, while India has emerged as one of the world’s major economies, registering a GDP growth rate of over seven per cent. He attributed this progress to the unity, coordination and spirit of dedication to the nation among its people.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the A&N Islands would no longer be known merely for ‘Kala Pani’, but would henceforth be recognised for ‘Amrit Vani’ and ‘Amrit Pani’. He said that this would also become the distinctive cultural identity of the Islands. A major national mission is underway to take the country forward. Recalling the immense hardships endured by Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters at the Cellular Jail, he said that the country’s independence was the outcome of their sacrifices. Numerous known and unknown freedom fighters had contributed to the freedom struggle.
The Lieutenant Governor further observed that although the British had left India, their colonial mindset continued to persist, and its adverse effects were still visible in society. He urged people to make greater use of their own languages, particularly Hindi, stating that this would contribute to their progress. He emphasised that the resistance was not against a language but against a particular mindset. As long as excessive attachment to Western culture continued, the country’s progress would remain constrained. Every citizen should take pride in the nation and its rich cultural heritage. He said that Foundation Day is an occasion to remember and celebrate our pride, heritage and traditions.
Describing the tenure of the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, as a glorious period, Dr. Sharma said that the country had made significant strides towards self-reliance during this period. The collective endeavour to fulfil the vision of Viksit Bharat has already begun. In this direction, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have achieved a significant milestone by securing the first position in the country in employment generation under the VB-G RAM G Scheme. He also said that two sites in the Islands have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List. He called upon everyone to work towards making India a Shreshtha Bharat and enhancing its stature across the world.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have now become an integral part of the country’s mainstream, with growing interest and attraction towards the Islands from across the nation. He expressed confidence that concerted efforts would be made in the coming years to equip the Islands with all essential facilities, bringing about positive changes in their overall development and future prospects.
Dr. Sharma further stated that India today is free from Naxalism and that there is no need for anyone to live in fear. He described it as a New India that neither fears nor intimidates anyone. He said that today, a bullet fired by Pakistan is answered with a cannon shell, whereas in earlier times, responses to Pakistani attacks were symbolically marked by the release of peace doves.
Among those present on the occasion were the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray; the Secretary (Art & Culture), Ms. Jyoti Kumari; the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Ms. Purva Garg; the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman, Ms. Shweta K. Sugathan; historian Dr. Rashida Iqbal; IAS officers Mr. Neeraj Bharti, Mr. Satnam Singh and Mr. Pravesh Ranjan; and other dignitaries.
