Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 15: A 3-day ‘PM Vishwakarma Exhibition-cum-Trade Fair’ got underway at ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram here today with an objective to provide recognition and marketing support to the Traditional Artisans and Craftspeople of 18 Trades working with their hands and tools who are covered under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
Br. MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India), Sri Vijaya Puram is organizing the event in coordination with UT Administration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated the Fair by cutting the ribbon as the chief guest.
In his address, the Chief Secretary said that PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the year 2023 which aims to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople of 18 trades who work with their hands and tools. He said, this scheme was of paramount importance and there is great enthusiasm about this scheme among people.
The Chief Secretary stated that MSME is very much associated with common people’s day-to-day life fulfilling their needs in different fields. PM Vishwakarma scheme enables people/artisans to prepare good products, so that they get good price in the market. He expressed happiness that those who are associated with this Scheme has put up their stalls in this ‘Exhibition-cum-Fair’.
The Chief Secretary stated that artisans’ skills are matchless because they are preparing art & crafts since ages. Their products are not a factory product but crafted through their skills utilizing their brain with utmost patience, the Chief Secretary said. He desired that such type of Fair should also be organized in Car Nicobar, Mayabunder and Diglipur.
The inaugural function was also attended by Additional Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, GoI, Dr. Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, IES, Secretary Industry, Dr. Satyendra Singh Dursawat, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, Ms. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars, Shri Amit Kale and senior officials of MSME from mainland and Sri Vijaya Puram.
In her keynote address, Additional Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, GoI, Dr. Ishita Tripathy, IES, at the outset, thanked the UT Administration for helping MSME branch Sri Vijaya Puram in organizing this Fair. Under this Scheme, the target was given to cover 30 lakh beneficiaries in five years. Till, January 15th morning, a total of 26.4 lakh beneficiaries have been covered, she added.
In her address, the GM, NABARD, A&N Regional Office as the guest of honour, stated that NABARD through its skill development programme has provided training to near about 9000 ladies.
Earlier, the Joint Director & HoD, IEDS, MSME-DFO, Kolkata, Shri Pradip Kumar Das welcomed the chief guest and others present on the occasion while the inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Assistant Director, In- Charge, Br. MSME-DFO, Sri Vijaya Puram, Shri GK Sinha.
About 90 stalls have been set up at the Fair, of which, the number of PM Vishwakarma stall is 50, MSMEs/Artisans stall is 20 and Govt. Department stall is 20. The Exhibition which was inaugurated today is open to general public from 9.30 am to 9 .30 pm till Jan. 17. Cultural event will be organized tomorrow (Jan. 16) as part of the fair during which, song and dance performance will be put up by Kalapani Band from 5 to 9.30 pm. The other attraction of the Fair are handicrafts stall, food stalls, and free amusement for children. Activities scheduled for Jan. 16 include drawing, quiz and dance competitions for which, Programme Coordinator, Ms Soni can be contacted over phone no. 09933276189.
During the 3-day event, sessions on various topics like Financial Assistance Schemes, Marketing Support Schemes, Technology Upgradation Schemes for Prospective/Existing Entrepreneurs/MSMEs/Startups; Public Procurement Policy 2012; e-Commerce Platform; Bar Code Registration; Intellectual Property Rights; Import-Export Policy and Procedures; GeM Portal; etc. have also been planned for the technical session.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 15: CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee congratulates the people of  Paschimsagar Gram Panchyat in Diglipur Tehsil, North Andaman for electing the CPI (M)-supported candidate Sumanta Biswas  as Panchayat Samiti Member from the Paschimsagar constituency in the Bye-election held on 12^th January, 2025, counting for which was held on (15.1.2025).  He defeated the BJP candidate by a margin of 297 votes. Sumanto Biswas polled 547 votes while the BJP candidate polled only 250 votes.

The verdict shows that the people of these islands are dis-satisfied with the anti-people policies of the BJP-led government at the centre sand it’s Administration in the islands.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 15: The Special National Integration Camp (SNIC) 2025, organized by the Andaman NCC Units under the aegis of NCC Directorate (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Andaman and Nicobar), began at Brichgunj Military Station on 14 January 2025. The 12-day camp aims to foster national integration and cultural harmony among youth from across the country.
Inaugurating the camp, Col T. Hariteja, Group Commander, NCC Group HQ Chennai ‘A,’ highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bridging cultural and regional divides. He encouraged the cadets to engage in activities that promote mutual respect and appreciation for India’s diversity. The event witnessed participation from 180 cadets, including 85 cadets from 17 NCC Directorates and 95 cadets from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Sub Lt. Dr. Kusum Kumari (ANO) shared insights into the unique culture and heritage of the Islands, enriching the experience for attendees.
Prominent dignitaries, including Col Pankaj Modgil and Lt. Cdr Reyaz Farooq, Commanding Officers of the Army and Naval Wings of Andaman NCC, along with PI Staff, ANOs, and GCIs, attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the significance of the camp. The camp will feature a variety of activities, including cultural exchanges, visits to historic landmarks, and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening the bond of unity among cadets. The initiative provides a platform for young participants to build friendships and take pride in India’s rich diversity and unity.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 15: The District Administration, South Andaman observed Armed Forces Veterans’ Day with great enthusiasm today at the iconic Cellular Jail premises. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the valiant efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces veterans who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security. The Cellular Jail, a historic symbol of the indomitable spirit of India’s freedom fighters, provided a fitting venue for the celebrations.
Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed annually on January 14 to honour the brave personnel who have served in the Indian Armed Forces. The day marks the retirement anniversary of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post-independence. It is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have defended the nation against external aggression and internal threats, often at great personal cost. The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of armed forces veterans in shaping a secure and progressive nation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, expressed deep gratitude to the veterans, stating, “Your courage and unwavering commitment to the nation serve as an inspiration to all of us. Today, we stand united in honoring your sacrifices and celebrating your contributions to our community and country.”
The Armed Forces Veterans Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women who have served with honour and distinction. The District Administration, South Andaman, is committed to recognizing and supporting the veteran community while inspiring future generations to emulate their valor and dedication.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 15: The Global Academy of Modern Fitness (GAMF) trained team consisting of 25 national players (Boys & Girls with different age groups), delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2nd Okinawa Gojuryu Karate Do National Level Open Karate Championship held on January 12, 2025, in Rasipuram, Namakal, Tamil Nadu.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Shihan M.S. Murugan, the founder and Grand Master of GAMFs, and the dedicated mentorship of Chief Trainer cum Coach Sensei M. Logarjun, the team achieved an impressive milestone, securing 50 prize-winning positions (On both Kata event and Fight event), including numerous 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

This incredible achievement is a reflection of the players’ hard work, relentless effort, and the invaluable support of Team Manager T. Anil Kumar, the team management, and the ever-encouraging parents.