Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 15: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency participated in the India Mobile Congress 2024 inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today at New Delhi. During his intervention, Lt. Governor highlighted the need to expedite the ongoing Base Transmission Station (BTS) Project and 4G Saturation Project to provide last mile network connectivity even to the remotest corners. Further, to provide redundancy by connecting additional OFC from Puri (Odisha) to Diglipur was also emphasized. Potential of utilizing New Andamans as a non-polluting manufacturing hub of IT and Telecom manufacturing industries including assembling of mobile phones was also reiterated.

 

Port Blair, Oct 11: A Grand Musical Extravaganza titled “Sharod Jalsaa” comprising superhit Bengali & Hindi songs and exclusive dance numbers, was organised by Atul Smrity Samity, Sri Vijaya Puram with a team of Isles’ renowned singers and dancers on 8th October, 2024 at Samity’s Auditorium on the occasion of Panchami of this Durga Puja.
The show, open to all for witnessing, has been presented under the Concept & Programme Design of Shri Ashees Poddar, an extremely active Life Member since long and ex-Cultural Secretary of the Samity.
The spectacular mega event organized to celebrate 80th Durga Puja of Atul Smrity Samity was hugely successful, which started befittingly by a bhajan based song ‘Mann Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare’, beautifully rendered by Smt. Monidipa Mukherjee & Shri Ashees Poddar, highlighting our cultural heritage.
The other renowned lead singers included Smti. Ananya Karak, Supriya Kayal, Sujata Roy, Arunima Ghosh, Ms. Amrapali Mitra, Ms. Srijeeta Kayal, Shri Mohd. Nisar, Shri Aboo, Shri Prashant Mitra, Shri Raaj, Shri Dipak Debnath, Shri Shailender Singh, Shri Aktar Hussain, Shri Rajesh Ghosh and Shri Ujjwal Dhali. The front dancers of the show were Ms. Priyanka Bannerjee, Arpita, Shreya, Anika, Sushmita, Smriti, Shayanti, Teesa, Bindu and Mast. Priyanshu. Each and every presentation was highly applauded and selection of songs has been appreciated by one and all.
A number of captivating dance numbers, both solo and group, splendidly choreographed by one of the finest Classical & Contemporary Dance Exponent of these Islands, Smt. Sonali Podder were special attractions of the show. A group dance on the song ‘Deva Sri Ganesha’ was also presented on a powerful performance by Shri. Shailender Singh & Shri. Aktar Hussain, culminating the event in a grand manner.
The show has been flawlessly hosted by the renowned anchors of these Islands, Shri Debesh Roy and Shri Raaj. The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray also graced the evening by his esteemed presence and also spoke on the occasion to bless all the artistes.

 

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 09: A massive oil rig, Blackford Dolphin, arrived in Port Blair today, towed by the anchor-handling vessel ALP Sweeper. The colossal structure became visible early in the morning, drawing large crowds to the seashore to witness its arrival. The oil rig is en route from Mauritius and will probably be deployed for offshore drilling in the Andaman region.
In recent past, the Oil India Ltd. has signed a contract with Norway’s Dolphin Drilling Ltd. to hire the Blackford Dolphin for exploration activities in the Andaman offshore blocks.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 08: The peaceful ‘Andaman Bandh’ called today (8th Oct) by Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A & N Islands at the behest of his supporters over various pending issues was highly successful. This Bandh was observed voluntarily all over the Islands and was supported by various organizations including Andaman Chamber of Commerce, Grain Dealers association, Bus operator association, Auto Associations, Gold Jewelers association, Quarry operators association, Tourism related Associations, Private Boat associations among others.
The Bandh was highly successful in Sri Vijaya Puram as the shops, business establishments, Autorickshaws, Buses, petrol pumps remained closed. Nobody was imposed for the closure, they closed their establishments voluntarily. Reports received from other parts of the Island territory indicate that business establishments and transport services remained closed from 6 am to 2 pm. No untoward incidents were reported from anywhere in the Island territory.
As decided earlier, a delegation of ten persons under the leadership of Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today met the Lt Governor and presented a memorandum. A threadbare discussion was held on each point raised by MP in the presence of high level officials of the A & N Administration. The LG agreed to resolve almost every demand raised by the MP at the earliest. Today’s meeting between LG and MP was cordial and result oriented.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP, has thanked all his supporters and all the organizations including Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Grain Dealers Association, Fishers community, Builders Associations, Auto Unions, Truck Unions, Private Bus union, Vegetable Market Unions, Boat operators, Water Sports Operators among other organizations.

 

Rabindranath & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 7: To address various long-standing demands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has called for a bandh on October 8, 2024. This call comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with the local administration, particularly directed towards the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of these islands.
While the major political parties—including the Congress, BJP, and CPI(M)—have distanced themselves from the bandh, significant local associations, such as the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and a few others have openly expressed their support. Meanwhile, the South Andaman District Administration has issued two preventive orders aimed at maintaining law and order during the protest.
In the evening, Mr. Ray was seen visiting various areas of Port Blair, engaging with stakeholders to garner support for the bandh.
Later addressing a section of media in the evening, he stated that his efforts over the past few years have been well-received, which led to his election. He criticized the LG, claiming that he has not adequately served the people of the islands and indicated that he would present evidence against the LG tomorrow.
Mr. Ray urged local shopkeepers to close their businesses from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and gather at the MP office at 9:00 AM. He expressed concerns that some individuals and media outlets were attempting to mislead the public regarding the bandh, emphasizing that his plans remain unchanged.
As the situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how much support Ray can gather in his efforts to address the pressing issues facing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 06: The Echo of India, a daily English newspaper has started functiong from a new office premises at Junglighat. The former Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma formally inaugurated the office at its new office premises. Mr. K.Ganeshan, President, Daily Newspaper Association and media persons of the local newspapers were also present. After the event, media persons discussed various issues concerning the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 04: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Vishnu Pada Ray was reportedly denied an appointment with senior officials of Raj Niwas to discuss critical developmental issues. Despite the MP’s request, no time was allotted for the meeting, leaving him no option but to stage a protest. Braving heavy rain, the MP sat outside the gates of Raj Niwas in protest, refusing to leave the spot throughout the day.

The Member of Parliament, who suffers from diabetes, further alleged that he was not even allowed to use the restroom inside Raj Niwas, forcing him to relieve himself outside. The incident has left the people of Andaman deeply saddened and has raised several questions, with many wondering why an elected representative of the people cannot meet the Lieutenant Governor (LG).

Residents have voiced their concerns, questioning the lack of communication and cooperation between the administration and their elected officials.

In a show of solidarity, a large number of BJP workers and supporters gathered near DC Banglow Junction to support the MP and express their displeasure. The situation intensified as many voiced their anger to the media, stating that the MP should not have been treated in such a disrespectful manner.

Around 6:30 PM, the MP concluded his protest but announced that he would return on October 8th with the public to demand entry. He also vowed to sit in protest again if the situation repeats.

This incident is likely to echo in Parliament, as many believe it highlights a deeper issue of disconnect between the administration and the people. For an elected representative to be denied access to the LG raises serious concerns about democratic processes in the Union Territory.

Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 3: In a proud moment for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a record-breaking 2144 kg Laddoo was created on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 by well-known Chef of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Ashwar Pal Singh. This massive creation has earned a place in the prestigious Asia Book of Records, marking the biggest single-piece laddoo ever made in the history.
The achievement was led by Chef Ashwar Pal Singh, who expressed his gratitude and pride at receiving the recognition. “It’s a proud moment for our islands and the country. I feel honored to be a record holder. This wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of my team,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Mr. Ashwar Singh has made headlines for his culinary achievements. Last year, he crafted a 1009 kg laddoo in five days, which earned him a spot in India book of records and International book of records. He earned as many as 19 records for the achievement.