Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 27: As a befitting tribute to Father of nation Mahatma Gandhi on his Jayanti and celebration 10th year of Swachh Bharat Mission, MY Bharat, an autonomous body under Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affair & Sports is conducting nation-wide campaign “Swachh Bharat Mission – Naya Sankalp” with the theme of ‘Swabhav Swachhata -Sanskar Swachhata’ from 17th September to 2nd October 2024 in a mission mode with the spirit of Jan Bhagidari se Jan Andolan. The campaign aims to educate and generate awareness about the environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics and encourage the adoption of reusable products through community involvement in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment. The campaign also aims to reaffirm our commitment to the future of sanitation and sustainable waste management through behavioral change and support broader environmental conservation efforts.
The Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kamorta in collaboration with youth clubs of Nancowrie and Kamorta Island have been conducting various activities such as cleaning of the surrounding area of wells, Amrit Sarovars, Community Hall, Schools, sub centers, religious places etc. In addition to these activities swatchhta awareness and pledge taking among youths are also conducted in various villages.
Today the Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kamorta in collaboration with Pilpillow youth club organized swatchhta chaupal at Community Hall, Pilpillow in which 60 youths of the village participated. On the occasion Mr. Tanveer, 1st Captain was the chief guest while Mr. Simon Levi, 2nd Captain, Pilpillow was guest of honor. The Chief Guest administered swatchhta pledge among youths and Mr. Alphonce Toppo, Deputy Director (OSD), NYK, Kamorta highlighted the importance of Swatchhta and encouraged youths the adoption of reusable products. Later on youths voluntarily participated in cleaning the surrounding area of Amrit Sarovar, Govt. Middle School, Pilpillow, Wells, Anganwadi and Community Hall and collected waste materials from every place.
Archives for September 2024
Directorate of Social Welfare Successfully Organizes 7-Day Orientation Programme for New Recruits of Child Care Institutions under Mission Vatsalya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 27: The Directorate of Social Welfare is proud to announce the successful organization of a 7-day orientation programme for new recruits of Child Care Institutions (CCI) staff under Mission Vatsalya, which took place from 19th to 26th September 2024. The orientation programme was held at the Conference Hall, Agriculture Department.
The Veldictory commenced with a ceremonial Ganesh Vandana performed by the new recruits, creating an auspicious start to the event and was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare), along with Ms. Reeta Devi, Welfare Officer (Women), and Mr. A.K Biswas, Nodal Officer, Mission Vatsalya.
During the inaugural address, Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welare) congratulated the new recruits and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and dedication to their work, stressing the critical role they play in ensuring the well-being and protection of children in need.
The programme aimed to equip the new recruits with essential skills, knowledge, and understanding of the child care system in India. During the 7-day session, various subject matter experts conducted classes on key topics relevant to the functioning of Child Care Institutions (CCI) and the overall welfare of children.
Key sessions during the orientation included:-Overall scheme details of Mission Vatsalya by PM (SARA) Time Management & Team Management By: Help Line Administrator (WHL), Awareness on WCD Control Room Operations & Child Helpline services By: Helpline Administrator, CHL, Fundamental Child Rights & other Child related Legislation By: Probation Officer, State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Functioning of Child Care Institutions By: Programme Officer, State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA), Overview of Various Child & Women Welfare Schemes By: Call Operator, Child Helpline, Counseling Services for Children in Conflict with Law By: Counselor, Observation Home
As part of Mission Vatsalya, this orientation aimed to enhance new staff’s ability to support vulnerable children. The initiative focuses on a strong child protection framework and nationwide support system. Programme Manager, SCPS, concluded the event with a vote of thanks to the dignitaries all participants & Resource Persons.
On the occasion of World Physiotherapy Day 2024 CRC A&N Islands organizes an Awareness Programme on Osteoarthritis- Its Management and Recent Advancements
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 27: In celebration of Physiotherapy Day 2024, the CRC A&N Islands organized an enlightening awareness programme titled “Osteoarthritis: Its Management and Recent Advancements.” This event took place on September 26, 2024, at Lecture Hall 2 of ANIIMS and was aimed at nursing students from the School of Nursing, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) and the School of Nursing, Directorate of Health Services (DHS). It aimed to enhance understanding and management of osteoarthritis, a prevalent degenerative joint disease affecting millions.
“The collaboration between CRC, ANIIMS, and the School of Nursing reflects our commitment to improving healthcare education and practices in our region,” said Dr. ShinyVargis, Principal, School of Nursing, DHS who was a special guest and Mrs. Hafsa Bibi, Vice Principal also enlighten the event.
The session featured expert speakers Dr. Vishu, HOD, Department of Orthopeadic, ANIIMS and Mr.T.Y.Abid, Lec in Physiotherapy, CRC A&N Islands who shared insights on the latest treatment options & Physiotherapy Management for osteoarthritis. Topics included innovative physiotherapy techniques, lifestyle modifications, and emerging pharmacological treatments. The event fostered an interactive environment, encouraging participants to engage in discussions and ask questions, thereby enhancing their knowledge and skills in managing this condition.
The awareness programme concluded with a call to action for participants – Nursing students from school of nursing and Physiotherapist from private Rehabilitation centres to apply their newly acquired knowledge in clinical settings and to advocate for patient education regarding osteoarthritis management.
World tourism day celebration at Veer Savarkar International Airport
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 27: World tourism day has been celebrated at Veer Savarkar International Airport with great enthusiasm by all the stakeholders at Airport i.e. Employees of Airports Authority of India, CISF, Airlines and various agencies working at Airport as well as general public to foster awareness among the community for the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic value.
The lamp lightening ceremony and various cultural programs organised in the departure hall of the terminal building. The passengers as well as stakeholders working at the airport have participated with great enthusiasm in various cultural activities e.g song, dance. Both arrival and departure passengers were welcomed with rose flowers.
Airport Director Devender Yadav said that tourism is the backbone of the economic prosperity of the region. Airport Mr. is the gateway and one of the major enablers for tourism in the region. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have always been of strategic importance for the country. Airports Authority of India has continuously invested to boost the civil aviation infrastructure for the region.
A new terminal building with all state-of-the-art modern amenities with an investment of about 800 crores was inaugurated by honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narender Modi and in operation from last year.
Critical Air navigation aid DVOR & Instrument Landing System (ILS) are also operational at Airport. These navigation aids have boosted the capability of the air navigation system and enabled the aircraft operation during night, low visibility and bad weather conditions.
International operations are also planned to commence from 16th November 2024, which will open a new dimension for tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
DDK Port Blair Releases List of Selected Candidates for Casual Anchor/Presenter Following Auditions
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 27: The list of selected candidates who had successfully completed audition for Casual Anchor / Presenter is displayed on the notice board of DDK Port Blair.
Public Interest Litigation Filed Against Renaming of Port Blair Town to Sri Vijaya Puram heard by Calcutta High Court’s Circuit Bench
Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 26: In a significant move, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on 23rd Sept 2024 in the Calcutta High Court’s Circuit Bench at Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair, challenging the renaming of the town, was heard today.According to details the matter is fixed for orders tomorrow.
The petitioner, Shri Prohit Mohan Lal, an well-known advocate from Naya Gaon village, South Andaman District, has raised serious concerns about the abrupt decision to rename the historically significant town without proper consultation or consideration of its socio-cultural and financial implications.
The PIL, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, calls for judicial intervention to set aside the controversial decision. The writ specifically seeks a certiorari to quash Notification No. 99/2024 dated 14th September 2024, which approved the renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram. The petition also questions the legality of the approval granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, arguing that the process violated established executive guidelines and lacked the required public consultation.
Renaming Without Public Consultation:
The petitioner argues that the renaming process was conducted hastily over a mere four days, without any meaningful consultation with the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The PIL claims that the decision has caused widespread discontent among the islanders, who were neither informed nor involved in the decision-making process. The petitioner emphasizes that Port Blair, a town with deep historical and cultural significance, was renamed without adhering to the executive instructions issued by the Government of India.
In his petition, Shri Lal cited the executive guidelines issued by the Government of India in 1953 and 1981, which require state governments and Union Territories to seek prior concurrence from the Union Government before changing the names of places. These guidelines also mandate that any such decision must be backed by compelling reasons, and public consultation must be conducted. According to the petitioner, none of these procedures were followed in the case of renaming Port Blair.
Impact on Local Culture and History:
One of the primary concerns raised in the petition is the negative impact of the name change on the composite culture of Port Blair. The PIL asserts that Port Blair, home to a diverse population for over 160 years, has developed a unique identity that reflects the island’s multicultural heritage. The abrupt decision to rename the town to Sri Vijaya Puram, a name with South Indian historical connotations, has alienated many islanders, who feel disconnected from the new name.
The petitioner also points out that the historical significance of Port Blair, which played a crucial role during the British colonial period and the Indian freedom struggle, has been undermined by the name change. Iconic freedom fighters like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and V.D. Savarkar are associated with the town, and the petitioner argues that renaming it without considering its rich history dishonors their contributions.
Questionable Historical Justification:
The PIL also challenges the historical justification provided for the name change. According to the notification, the name Sri Vijaya Puram was chosen to reflect the legacy of the Chola Empire, which allegedly had a maritime base in the region. However, the petitioner refutes this claim, stating that historians have confirmed that the Chola dynasty’s maritime base was in the Nicobar Islands, not Port Blair. Furthermore, the petitioner argues that the Chola Empire, known for its imperialist ambitions, has no connection to the British colonial legacy, which is a more appropriate historical reference for Port Blair.
The petitioner also raises concerns about potential international ramifications. The name “Sri Vijaya Puram” is closely associated with the Chola conquest of the Sri Vijaya Kingdom, located in present-day Indonesia. The petitioner fears that reviving a name linked to imperialist expansion could strain diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia, a friendly neighboring country.
Financial and Logistical Implications:
Another significant issue highlighted in the PIL is the financial burden the name change will impose on the residents of Port Blair and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The petitioner estimates that the cost of updating essential documents, including land records, school certificates, Aadhaar cards, passports, and voter IDs, could run into hundreds of crores. The process would also be time-consuming and inconvenient for the town’s residents, many of whom are already grappling with other pressing issues such as water shortages, poor infrastructure, and unemployment.
The petition criticizes the respondents for failing to consider these financial implications before approving the name change. The petitioner argues that the money and resources required for this process could be better utilized to address the more immediate needs of the islanders.
Violation of Constitutional Rights:
The PIL further contends that the renaming of Port Blair violates several constitutional rights, including the right to culture under Article 29 and the right to life under Article 21. The petitioner asserts that the name Port Blair has become an integral part of the town’s identity and its people. Any attempt to alter this identity without sufficient justification amounts to an assault on the cultural and historical heritage of the town’s residents.
The petition also highlights that Article 51A(f) of the Constitution enshrines the fundamental duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of India’s composite culture. The petitioner argues that the decision to rename Port Blair ignores this duty and erases a significant part of the island’s cultural heritage.
World Tourism Day 2024: Cultural Programmes and Warm Welcome for Tourists Across Key Locations
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 26: Together with the rest of the World, the World Tourism Day -2024 will be celebrated tomorrow (Sept. 27) with befitting programmes by the Tourism Department, A&N Administration in these Islands too. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Tourism & Peace’. The Tourism Department along with the line Departments of A & N Administration, India Tourism, GoI and Tourism Stakeholders is celebrating ‘World Tourism Day’ by conducting various programmes.
The main function of the ‘World Tourism Day’ will be held from 6 pm onwards at Dr. BR Ambedkar Auditorium, Mohanpura, during which, colourful cultural programmes by artistes of Art & Culture Department, NYK and Fusion Dance by JNRM students will be presented. The Commissioner-cum- Secretary, IP&T, A&N Administration will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Apart from cultural programmes, prizes will also be distributed to the winners of various competitions organized by Tourism Department as part of the celebrations. The general public has been invited to witness the cultural programme.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day celebration on September 27, tourists will be accorded a warm welcome at key locations such as the Airport, Haddo Jetty, Cellular Jail, and Swaraj & Shaheed Dweep Jetty by the representatives from tourism stakeholders, India Tourism, GoI and the Department of Tourism.
NDC Delegation Led by Maj. Gen. Mukesh Aggarwal Meets Lt. Governor Admiral DK Joshi to Discuss Mega Projects and Security in A&N Islands
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 26: Delegation led by Maj. Gen Mukesh Aggarwal SDS (Army-II) of National Defence College (NDC) 64th Course of 15 officers including those from friendly foreign countries visiting A&N Islands as part of their Forward Area Tour called on Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today at Raj Niwas. Discussed ongoing mega Projects in Tourism, Hospitality & Infrastructure Sectors being executed by Andaman & Nicobar Administration under the aegis of Islands Development Agency and overall security strategic scenario.
State-Level Seminar on ‘Tourism and Peace’ Organized as Part of World Tourism Day Celebrations
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 26: As part of ‘World Tourism Day’ Celebration, a one day State Level Seminar on the topic ‘Tourism and Peace’ was organized in JNRM today. The seminar was coordinated by the Department of BBA Tourism, JNRM in collaboration with Directorate of Tourism, A&N Administration and Ministry of Tourism, GoI. The seminar was inaugurated by the Secretary(Tourism), Shri Vishwendra, as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary Tourism stated that the tourism industry is a multi-sectoral industry which has so many layers and it also requires different skill sets at every single level. The emerald green, A&N Islands has the potential to attract tourists from the globe for which we have to showcase our product in different ways, the Secretary said underlining the need for opening up the unexplored areas.
Referring about the importance of good infrastructure in Tourism Sector, the Secretary said that GoI is investing good amount of money for infrastructure development in A&N Islands. While mentioning that Tourism has the largest multiplier effect on the economy, he urged the youth to dream big, think big and do a start up, the success level of which is beyond imagination. The Secretary urged for identifying the products in the Islands, communicate with the A&N Administration, have a policy framework, which he said, will lead to opening of a new product. The Secretary urged the BBA students to have a frequent dialogue with Industry Stakeholders, so that they get a better idea on how to move forward in Tourism sector which, he said, grows with the constant effort of an individual. With the active participation of students, Stakeholders and Administration, we can take the Tourism Industry to another level, he remarked. He also emphasized the skilling of students to meet the diversified manpower demand of Tourism Industry. He urged the College Authorities to assign projects and create Cells related to Tourism, so that the youth being the future of this sector can come up with good ideas which can be shared with Industries and can be improved upon.
While extending his best wishes for the ‘World Tourism Day’ celebrations tomorrow, the Secretary congratulated the gathering and said that we must celebrate this day. Mentioning about the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day i.e., ‘Tourism & Peace’, the Secretary said, “One cannot travel if he is not safe. Peace is the overall matrix on which tourism survives. Better law and order is very essential to make an area prosper on tourism point of view”, the Secretary added.
Shri Mohammed Jadwet, MD, Makruzz, Shri M Vinod, President, AATO, Shri Tanveer Singh, President, Youth Wing of ACCI, Shri Saikat, Founder Andaman Aquaholics, Shri Uday Baskar, Founder, Andaman Stargazing, Shri Abdul Majeed, Vice President, FOATO, were the prominent speakers in the seminar. The speakers put forward their valuable suggestion towards the development of Tourism Industry in the Islands.
Dr. HK Sharma, Principal JNRM, graced the occasion as guest of honour and Shri S. Ramakrishnan, Asst. Director, India Tourism as special guest. Earlier, Dr. Seemanta Kumar Deka, HoD, BBA Tourism welcomed the gathering while the seminar concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rajasekaran, Resource Person, BBA Tourism. The entire program was coordinated by Dr. P Abdul Salam, Assistant Professor, Dept. of BBA Tourism, JNRM.
MESSAGE
On World Tourism Day i.e. on 27th September, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to all who admire the pristine beauty of our remarkable lands. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” serves as a powerful reminder of how tourism can cultivate harmony, understanding, and unity among diverse cultures.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant marine life, are a shining example of the beautiful coexistence between nature and humanity. Our islands are more than just a destination; they embody serenity, drawing visitors from around the globe who seek peace and rejuvenation.
When approached with responsibility, tourism has the potential to bridge cultures, foster mutual respect, and generate economic opportunities that uplift local communities. It is our shared duty to ensure that our tourism practices honour our natural environment, respect our cultural traditions, and enhance the well-being of our people.
As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us renew our commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism. Let us work together to present the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a beacon of peaceful tourism, where every visitor departs with a deeper appreciation for both nature and humanity.
I am confident that with the concerted efforts and coordination of all stakeholders in the A & N Islands, we will emerge as a ‘shining example’ of promoting peace through tourism, inspires a World where harmony and understanding flourish.
Jai Hind!
Sd/-
(Admiral DK Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
&
Vice- Chairman, Islands Development Agency
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