Port Blair, Nov. 15: The 10-day Island Tourism Festival concluded with a closing ceremony held at the ITF Ground here this evening. The First Lady of these Islands, Smt. Chitra Joshi was the chief guest on the occasion, while the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Chetan B Sanghi was the guest of honour. During the programme, the dignitaries gave away prizes to the winners of various events conducted by different departments during the 10- day festival.
The First Lady also spent some time and enjoyed the cultural programmes presented by the artistes from the Islands and mainland at the ITF venue.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary congratulated the Tourism Department for conducting the event successfully. A huge crowd converged to witness the ITF, the Chief Secretary said praising all the departments, who were part of the ITF-2019. He further stated that the Tourism Department has taken up many tourism projects, which will augment the economic activities here and provide employment opportunities to the youth. He said, the Tourism and other departments have taken up many small and major projects related to tourism in the Islands. The Prime Minister, during his visit to the Islands, laid foundation and approved some projects for these Islands. All these projects will be fully implemented in two years’ time and will surely increase the tourist footfalls to these Islands, he said. The business of the people associated with the tourism sector will become effective once the International flights starts and Under Sea Cable established, the Chief Secretary said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Secretary Tourism, Dr. Pooja Joshi said while the Island Tourism festival closes today, the happiness and celebrations may continue in the lives of everyone, the Administration, artistes, viewers and the ground staff, who contributed towards the success of this festival.
Presenting a report on the 10-day Island Tourism Festival, the Director IP&T, Dr. Angel Bhati Chauhan said that the Department is organizing ITF since 1994. This time, over 1000 artistes from SZCC, EZCC and local artistes were given opportunities to perform during the ITF. Altogether, 30 stalls were put up, out of which 10 were food stalls besides Govt. and private stalls, she said.
The function was also attended by the Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Smt. Vinita Sharma, the Adhyaksh Zila Parishad, South Andaman, Shri Subir Chander, the Chairperson PBMC, Shri N K. Udhaya Kumar, Padmashree Awardees, Shri Naresh Chander Lal and Ms. Shanti Teresa Lakra, the Ex MP, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray and Smt. Rupa Ray.
The cultural programme unfolded with the performances by the Islands’ artistes. Waheed Shah presented a theme song on Andaman. The other singers, who presented melodious songs included Sitesh, Yatinder, Nawaz, Avinash, Wasim and Arunima. Kalaripayattu (Martial Art) performance by the team of Isha School and hip hop dance by the youth of Nancowry were the other attractions of the closing ceremony.
