Port Blair, Oct 9: A one day state level seminar entitled “Memories, Emotions and Soundscape: Recapitulation of Japanese in Andaman and Nicobar Islands” was organized by the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM on 09.10.2015 to readdress the legacies of Japanese occupation and surrender. The chief guest on the occasion was Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi, Principal Secretary, A & N Administration. The guest of honour was Smt. Tanvi Garg, Secretary (Higher Edn.), A & N Islands.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi congratulated the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM for organizing the seminar in right earnest and perspective of Japanese occupation and surrender in these islands. He desired that the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM should make an effort to preserve the historical legacies of these islands by recording audio-visual documentaries of the senior citizens who are witness to that period of history. Earlier in the welcome address, Dr K. Chanderdeep, HOD & Assistant Professor of Historical Studies, JNRM mentioned that the present seminar is an academic tribute to the courage and fortitude of the people of A & N Islands and their exemplary resilience.
Dr N. Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM gave a detailed power-point presentation on the various facets of Japanese occupation and surrender through vivid and rare photographs of that period which was much appreciated by the audience.
Shri Gauri Shankar Pandey reminisced the memories of Japanese tyranny. Shri Mujataba, Retired Principal elucidated the education system of those times and the changes brought into it by the Japanese. Smt. Shakuntala Shivram through her poetic skills paid her homage to the people of Andamans who suffered under the Japanese occupation. Shri John Lobo stressed upon the fact that the people of A & N Islands cast their fortunes with the Indian Union and choose to remain as Indians.
In the technical session Shri T. Prasad Rao, Assistant Professor in Historical Studies presented a paper on “Japanese Occupation of A & N Islands” showcasing the global perspective of the said event in the context of Second World War. Dr Anjani Kumar Shrivastava, Assistant Professor in Hindi gave a different perspective of colonialism and imperialism in respect of both Britian and Japan. He emphasized that comparisons of cruelty must be objective and impartial. Shri Zubair Ahmed lamented the fact that history of A & N Islands is Port Blair-centric and no voice has been given to the people living in the periphery. Shri Farukh Shaikh revisited the historic event of the martyrdom of 21 year old Zulfiqar, the first victim of Japanese occupation forces.
The valedictory program included the distribution of certificates to the resource persons and participants. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Manju Nair, Associate Professor in Geography, JNRM.
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