Deepak Kumar Singh
Port Blair, June 16: On June 14, 2024, 4 Season Event Management hosted a remarkable event to unveil Chef Ashwar Pal Singh’s latest cookbook, “Flavours of Andaman” and to launch his Youtube Channel. The event celebrated the rich culinary heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, showcasing new recipes that elevate local cuisine to new heights.
Chef Ashwar Pal Singh shared insights about the innovative recipes included in his book, emphasizing his commitment to bringing the unique flavours of Andaman cuisine into the spotlight. He spoke passionately about his journey and the inspiration behind his culinary creations, highlighting the diverse and rich ingredients available in the Andaman Islands.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, adding to the pride and significance of the occasion. It marked a moment of great pride for the Andaman community, as the cookbook launch represented a significant milestone in promoting local cuisine on a national and international stage.
Chef Singh elaborated on the diverse culinary traditions of the Andaman Islands, describing how the region is a microcosm of India with residents from various states, each contributing to the local food culture. He noted the fusion of North Indian, South Indian, and local Andaman dishes that make the cuisine of the islands unique.
The chef also launched his new venture, “Flavours of Andaman,” aimed at further promoting the culinary delights of the islands. He expressed his dedication to using local ingredients, such as seafood and coconut, to create exquisite dishes that can attract both domestic and international tourists.
Chef Ashwar Pal Singh’s efforts are a testament to his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. His passion for preserving and promoting the traditional flavours of the Andaman Islands is evident in his work. The cookbook not only serves as a collection of recipes but also as a cultural document that connects the present generation to their roots.
The event concluded with a heartfelt appreciation for Chef Singh’s contributions, underscoring the importance of supporting and encouraging such initiatives. His work is poised to inspire future generations to explore and innovate within the realm of Andaman cuisine, ensuring that the unique flavours of the islands continue to be celebrated and cherished.

Port Blair, June 14: The four day long 2nd Andaman Tourism Road Show being organized by Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), in association with Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India got underway with its inauguration by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, at Hotel Mansha Regency here this yesterday evening. The inaugural program was also attended among others by the Director, Tourism, A&N Administration, Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, Assistant Director, India Tourism, Port Blair, Shri S. Ramakrishnan, Chapter Chairman, IATO, A&N Islands, Shri Mohd. Jadwet, President, ANCCI, Shri Surendra Prahladka and local entrepreneurs.
50 prominent enlisted tour operators of Ministry of Tourism, IATO, TAAI, ATOAI, ADTOI and delegates from Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh besides social media influencers, travel bloggers/ travel journalists are participating in the Andaman Tourism Road Show, supported by all tourism stakeholders of A&N Islands.
Addressing the delegates, the Chief Secretary extended a warm welcome to all the delegates who have arrived here to participate in the Andaman Tourism Road Show. He said, Andaman is quite a discovery and the recent development has given the Islands a major thrust in the tourism sector. Highlighting about the scope of tourism in the Islands, the Chief Secretary remarked that A&N Islands has much more in store in terms of diversity and activities in all its pristine glory. The Chief Secretary stated that A&N Islands is one of the prettiest places in the world having a Blue Flag Certification to one of its beaches. Five more beaches will soon be opened for tourists and the process for obtaining Blue Flag Certification for these beaches are in advanced stage and is being monitored on weekly basis, he said. The Chief Secretary stated that Tourism and Fisheries are the two important sectors and efforts are being made to propel these sectors further. The Chief Secretary informed that Cinque Island has been opened for tourists and urged them to visit the Island and enjoy the scenic beauty but keep the natural beauty intact at the same time.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the initiatives of the Administration in giving further fillip to the tourism sector. He mentioned about the scope of tourism which is being earnestly pursued by the Administration, so that people get to enjoy the uniqueness of the A&N Islands’ tourism viz. Natural Tourism, Night Kayaking, Luxury Tent, Caravan Tourism, Astro Tourism and Game Fishing. The Administration is also working towards making Heritage Circuit Tourism a reality soon, he added. The Chief Secretary remarked that the Administration with the support of the GoI is committed towards promoting the Islands’ tourism by showcasing its uniqueness to the world.
The Chief Secretary also lauded AATO and all tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs for their contribution in promoting the tourism sector in various capacities. He called upon tourism stakeholders and tour operators to work in tandem with the Administration and contribute towards propelling the Islands’ tourism further.
In his welcome address, the President, AATO, Shri M. Vinod expressed hope that this Road Show will enable delegates and tour operators from mainland to experience the Islands’ beauty which offers a unique experience altogether and help promote ‘Brand Andaman’. He said, the A&N Islands are a hub of adventure sports, unique flora and fauna, and virgin beaches are its unique selling points and urged the delegates to help promote Andaman Tourism as year round tourism destination. He expressed gratitude to the Administration and all tourism stakeholders for their support in organizing this road show which will further promote the Islands tourism across the country and globe.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohd. Jadwet complimented AATO for completing 20 years of contribution in Island tourism sector. He assured the delegates that this four day road show would enable them to experience and witness the diversity of the Islands tourism. He also stressed on the need for good marketing and infrastructure development and connectivity which are vital for the Islands’ tourism to flourish.
The Chief Secretary also released the 20 years achievement book of AATO and launched the website of AATO on the occasion. He also went round the exhibits and interacted with the stakeholders.
A video showcasing A&N Islands’ natural beauty and scope of tourism was also screened for the delegates. A welcome dance was presented by Ms Shreya Brohma. The program concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the General Secretary, AATO, Shri K Hamza. This was followed by interaction of the delegates with the Islands’ tourism stakeholders.
During the four days event, tour operators and delegates will visit Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and other prominent places of historical and tourism importance to know and understand the potential of tourism in Andaman.

Deepak Kumar Singh & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 12: The Association of Tour Operators (AATO) is set to host a comprehensive tourism road show from June 13 to 17,2024 attracting numerous tour operators from the mainland. In a press conference held at Hotel Star Paradise today, key details about the road show were shared with the media by Mr. M Vinod, the President of AATO.
He said that last year, AATO conducted a small-scale trial of the tourism road show, inviting 25-30 tour operators from Delhi. Encouraged by its success, this year’s event will be on a larger scale, with 50 tour operators from across India, including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, participating. These operators are listed with the Ministry of Tourism, which is coordinating the event along with a nodal officer from Maharashtra.
The roadshow will be inaugurated on June 13 by the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration at Hotel Mansa Regency. The four-day event will include various activities, workshops, and tours, with a detailed minute-to-minute program provided to the participants.
The objective of the road show is not only to promote the brand ‘Andaman’ as a prime tourist destination. The presence of reputed tour operators is expected to significantly enhance Andaman’s visibility and appeal in their respective regions.
“AATO has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, receiving substantial support from local tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers and transport providers. Their cooperation has been crucial in organizing the event, which will begin with the inauguration ceremony at 6 PM at Mansa Regency,” Mr. Vinod added.
Mr. M Vinod emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the success of the event. He highlighted that the road show aims to address challenges and create awareness about the authenticity of tour operators, urging tourists to verify the credentials of operators before booking.
During the press conference, Mr. Rama Krishna, Assistant Director of India Tourism, Andaman, Mr. K.Hamza, General Secretary of the AATO, and Mr. P.S.Vijayan, Organizing Secretary of AATO were also present.
The roadshow will include programs in various locations, such as Port Blair on June 13, Swaraj Dweep on June 14, Shaheed Dweep on June 15, and conclude with a grand ceremony at Jalsa on June 16. Participants will be felicitated, and local stakeholders will be acknowledged for their contributions.

Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, June 11: A number of villages under Diglipur Tehsil were under flood waters today.
As per report, heavy rain on the last night caused severe flood like situation and several low lying areas in Diglipur were submerged by the raging flood waters. The Kalpong River as well as Krishnapuri River was flowing at an all-time high with their fury; one could see only muddy and yellowish water everywhere.
There was almost waist-deep flood water on roads in several areas where people suspended their vehicle trips across the flood-hit roads while bikers chose to take alternative routes to reach their houses/destinations.
Mr. Aditya Asthana, DANICS, Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur along with Circle Patwaris and Fire Brigade personnel reached out to the flood hit areas and took stock of the situations. The ACDP then gave directions to the concerned officials for conducting rescue operations and extending relief materials to the flood victims. Accordingly, relief centres were activated and rescue operations were swiftly conducted; a rescue boat was pressed for evacuating the people stuck in flood. After evacuation, they were kept at relief shelters at various places under the different Gram Panchayats. The Assistant Commissioner provided ration items to Madhupur and Diglipur Panchayats for flood victims. The local administration also distributed water to the flood affected people under Subhashgram Panchayat. Fire Brigade personnel also swung into action and evacuated people trapped in their houses.
Though there was no report of loss of human life, the people living in low lying areas especially in Madhupur, D.B. Gram and R.K. Gram village sustained huge loss of their property and goods. Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, flood victims said their household appliances like refrigerators etc got damaged as the flood waters entered their houses. On the other hand, a number of shops on the Madhupur Road also sustained financial loss as the flood waters entered their shops and caused damage to their goods. Similarly, a few farmers also registered their vegetable loss due to the inundation of their crop fields. Electricity on the other hand was also disrupted due to the squally showers and deluge. The corollaries have altogether triggered a huge loss of property and goods to the deluge victims in the flood hit areas.
According to the information received from the Office of the ACDP, a team of officials will soon reach out to the flood affected areas to assess the loss and damages of goods and property of people caused by the flood.

Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 10: Mr. Carol D Sony, a resident of Bird Line, Ward number 23, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Police emergency number 112 and the fire brigade for their timely assistance during a landslide that impacted their home at around 3.00 pm today.
The swift action of the fire brigade played a crucial role in restoring their home to normal conditions, preventing further damage. Mr. Carol D Sony praised the efficiency and dedication of the emergency services, highlighting their prompt response in a time of crisis.

 

Port Blair, Jun 09: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, along with Commissioner (PWD), Mrs. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Secretary (PWD), Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, and Chief Engineer, APWD visited various road works being executed by APWD in Ferrargunj Tehsil of South Andaman. The Chief Secretary inspected the roads completed by APWD during the last financial year in Mithakhari, Ferrargunj, Bambooflat and Hopetown. The Department Engineers did the quality control test like bitumen content, thickness etc in front of the Chief Secretary which were found to be satisfactory.
The Chief Secretary also visited the on-going works of Kadakachang- Wimberlygunj, Wimberlygung- Wrightmyo and Chunnabhatta to North Bay road. He also checked the field lab established by the executing agency at the Chunabhatta road. The Chief Secretary directed to ensure to maintain the mandatory quality control checks while executing the works to ensure long lasting of the constructed work.
The Chief Secretary further directed APWD to carry out third party quality checks in the works being executed by APWD through UT budget as being done in the case of PMGSY work. It was also directed to include street design features which was approved recently in all the future road estimates to ensure optimum utilisation of facility by the general public, and aesthetic view. The street design features include hard berm, footpath, street furniture, bus bay, street light provisions and drains wherever required based on the population, utility of the road.
During the visit, it was also emphasised on preparing the design of the road in consultation with Expert agencies like CRRI based on the quality of soil of the Islands, topography and climatic condition so that the work executed by various executing agencies would last for a long.
It was also suggested to eco-friendly develop the road side space in the North Bay road for the tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place with seating arrangements and other facilities.

 

Port Blair, June 07: Kashthuri’s game on day 6 of the ongoing World Girls’ Chess Championship ended in a draw today. In the sixth round, she faced a tough opponent, International Women Master (WIM) Balabayeva Xeniya, from Kazakhstan with an international rating of 2246. Kashthuri, who has an international rating of over 1700, played tactfully against her Kazakhstan opponent and managed to draw the game with the black pieces and scored half a point against WIM. This is already her second draw against WIM in this tournament. Earlier she drew against WIM from Armenia in the fifth round.

At the end of the six rounds, she has scored 4.5 points and has so far remained unbeaten in the championship, with a Performance Rating of over 2300 (which means that she is playing as if she is a player of 2300 rating, although she is just over 1700 Rating)

The competition will get more intense as each round progresses, with five rounds remaining before a rest day on June 8, 2024.

The championship will culminate on 13.06.2024 with prize giving ceremony. The top ten players of the championship will be awarded.

I express my whole hearted gratitude and deep respect to all Islanders for the love and support showered on me during this 2024 Lok Sabha Election
I accept the verdict of Islanders and promise to remain committed to the betterment of our people and Islands. I will continue to work tirelessly for the development and prosperity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Once again, I thank all people of the Islands from the bottom of my heart for your trust, support, and encouragement. Together, we will continue to strive for a brighter future for our beloved islands.
Regards,
Kuldeep Rai Sharma,
Ex-Member of Parliament,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Port Blair, June 05: Mr. N. Peddi Raju, State President, A&N Vidyut Shramik Sangh and National Executive Member of ABVMMS has congratulated Mr. B. P. Ray for winning the Lok Sabha seat from the A&N Islands. Under the guidance of Mr Ray, the A&N Islands will witness fast progress and development, said Mr Raju.