Port Blair, Jan 28: Island Protection Forum has facilitated “ Andaman & Nicobar Dweep Seva Purushkar 2020” to Mr. Kunda Behera ( Kodayya) Fishermen, Khirisaih Viilage , Puri District , Odisha State for his contribution towards human service at Tiranga Park on 26th January 2020. Mr. Kandha Behera (Kondayya) saved the life of Mr. Amrit Kujur(seamen), Resident of Shaeed Dweep from the open sea of Odisha ,Puri District.
The IPF introduced “Andaman & Nicobar Dweep Seva Puruskhar”from this year onwards on 26th January in the field of human service .This year the Puraskar was awarded to Mr. Kandha Behara for saving the life of one Islander Mr. Amrit Kujur during distress.
The A&NDS Puruskhar 2020 and Forty thousand Rupees cash award handed over by Mr. Amrit Kujur to Mr. Kandha Behera. Mr. kandha behera was traditionally welcomed with a song and dance by Ranchi Community .During this Puruskhar ceremony Mr. Amrit Kujur explained the sufferings he had during the entire sea journey and thanked Mr. Kandha Behera for saving of his life and providing him food and shelter at his house at puri .
During this programme many local Associations came forward and honored Mr. Kandha with shawls and bouquets at Tiranga Park.
The fisherman Mr. Kunda Behera resident of Khirisaih also thanked the Islanders for honoring him with Andaman & Nicobar Dweep Seva Puruskhar 2020 ,Rs. 40.000 (Forty Thousand ) cash award and good hospitality in these Islands. He also said that he saved Mr. Amrit Kujur only on humanitarian ground .
At last Mr. Kalu Behera who accompanied Kondayya from Orissa thanked the Islands and was overwhelmed to receive such honor and said that being a fishermen we never expected this type of hospitality and gratitude .
Concluding the event Mr. M.T.Musthafa , President ,IPF thanked all the Islander for their support in making this programme a success. He also announced that Andaman & Nicobar Dweep Seva Puruskhar will be given every year . from the next year IPF will invite applications from individuals and will continue the same every year. The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor people who help the Islanders when needed.
