Roni Antony & Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 01: Local performers of the Islands are crestfallen after the Tourism Department drew the line for performance of musical group to one, during Island Tourism Festival.
Although, the money the musical groups are paid for performance during ITF is nothing but because of losing the chance of getting more exposure in the Islands’ biggest tourism festival, many groups were deeply upset.
This is the first time in the history that the local musical groups had got only one show to perform in the ITF. “Earlier we used to get around 15 programs to showcase our talent in different venues like Marina Park, Girls School, ITF ground etc. throughout the year and nearly three to four during the time of Island Tourism Festival,” said Mr Mummy, a local artist.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, a local artist of these Islands, Mr. Waahid Shah said that such step not only discourage local but also will leave music loving people of these Island deeply upset.
“Administration must take decisions considering welfare and wellbeing of Islanders and local artists, in cases like this,” Mr Appa Rao, another renowned artist of these Islands said.
As per reports, all local artists today met the Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr Kuldeep Rai Sharma seeking help wherein he has reportedly assured the artists of extending all support from his end and has also suggested the musical groups to form ‘Andaman Nicobar Artist Association’ at the earliest that may help them to curtail many situations that they are falling prey to.
