ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for December 8, 2024

Andaman Logo Designer Jag Jeevan Ram’s Creation Selected for Army Day Parade 2025

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Vikramaditya

Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: In a moment of pride for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the logo for the prestigious Army Day Parade 2025 designed by the renowned logo artist of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Mr. Jag Jeevan Ram has been selected by the Southern Army Command, which is set to take place on January 15, 2025, in Pune, Maharashtra.

This marks a historic occasion as the Army Day Parade will be hosted outside New Delhi for the first time in Pune at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre. The event will feature marching contingents, mechanized columns, defense technology exhibits—including drones and robotics—combat demonstrations, and martial arts displays.

The parade, which celebrates the appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, has been rotated to different cities since 2023 to strengthen ties between the Army and the citizenry.

Mr. Jeevan working as Section Officer in the ICMR-RMRC, Port Blair and beside committed towards his official responsibilities, he also proved to be an emblem illustrator and providing services.

Mr. Jeevan has earned a reputation for his exceptional skill in emblem illustration, offering his services on an honorary basis to several government organizations. Over the years, his designs have garnered national acclaim, contributing to logos for international and national events, departmental insignias, and other prominent designs.

Speaking about the honor, Mr. Jeevan expressed his gratitude to the Southern Army Command for selecting his design for such a significant national event. “It is a privilege to contribute to the Army Day Parade, which symbolizes the valor and legacy of our armed forces,” he said.

This recognition highlights Mr. Jeevan’s unparalleled artistic talents and dedication to serving the nation, further elevating the pride of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the national stage.

Member of Parliament Reviews Progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in DISHA

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, presided over the District Level Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held yesterday at the DBRAIT Conference Hall. The meeting was attended by Department officials of A&N Administration and key PRI members.
As per the Government of India directives, the DISHA meetings are supposed to be conducted on a regular basis to apprise the Member of Parliament on the progress of development of various schemes in their respective constituencies.
During the comprehensive review, the MP emphasized the importance of ensuring the effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in the Islands to maximize their benefits for the public. Each Department presented powerpoint presentation and updates on the progress of ongoing schemes, challenges faced, and proposed measures to enhance outcomes. Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray provided valuable observations and actionable suggestions to the Departments to address any bottlenecks and improve the overall execution of schemes.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray highlighted the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that the schemes reach their intended beneficiaries and contribute to the socio-economic development of the Islands. He also emphasized the importance of community participation in the implementation of schemes to make the process more inclusive and effective.
The meeting concluded with the MP expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders for their efforts and urging them to work collaboratively to overcome the unique challenges posed by the geographical remoteness of the Islands.

 

Residents of Sabari Demand Improved BSNL Connectivity Amid Weak Signal Woes

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Rabindranath Biswas

Sabari/Diglipur, Dec. 04: The residents of a number of villages under Gram Panchayat Sabari have been experiencing severe difficulties owing to the weak signal of BSNL.

Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Smti. Madhura Ekka, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Sabari, Middle Andaman said that the BSNL tower installed at Bharatpur village under GP Sabari is insufficient as the available BSNL signal strength is reportedly very weak and as a result of which the subscribers have to face its consequent bad effects. In fact, the signal drops so low that people are put into an exasperating situation, especially in a medical emergency, she decried.

In this regard she wrote a letter to the Managing Director, BSNL, A & N Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram a couple of months ago, but reportedly no initiative has been taken yet in this regard, she said. The tower/service needs to be up-graded so as to eliminate the problem of weak signal, she further said in the letter.

On the other hand, two numbers of BSNL towers are reportedly required to be installed: one in Vishnupur village near Gopal Mistry’s house another one in Sabari close to the Office of the GP Sabari so as to provide an upgraded BSNL service with 4G coverage to the residents of these villages, the Pradhan had demanded in the letter, as informed by her.

POLICE STATION MAYABUNDER SUCCESSFUL RAID TO SEIZE ILLEGAL TIMBER, CURBING DEFORESTATION ACTIVITIES

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: PS Mayabunder continues to demonstrate its unyielding attitude against the illicit activities of forest and has achieved great success on seizure of 13 pieces of hand sawn timber i.e “ANDAMAN PADUAK”.

On 07/12/2024 upon the credible information of possessing of illegal forest timbers by a person in this PS jurisdiction. Swiftly, Inspr. S Kannan, SHO PS Mayabunder constitued a team consisting of SI Dinesh Meena, PSI Dinesh Jaiswal, Vikas Yadav, Hari Krishna and PC Prem Prakash Beck and rushed to the spot. On reaching the spot the police team conducted a raid in the premisses of the suspected lady namely Smti Sobha Halder W/o Santosh Halder R/o Tugapur No. 02, Mayabunder and successfully seized 13 Nos. of hand sawn timber i.e “ANDAMAN PADUAK”. This marks a significant step in the fight against illegal deforestation, a crime that not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines environmental conservation efforts.

Later, all the seized forest products and detained lady were handed over to Forest Officials for further necessary action at their end.

The entire operation was carried out under the vigilant supervision of SDPO Diglipur Shri Ankesh Yadav, DANIPS and overall supervision of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman District.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No. 100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secretand will also be suitably rewarded.

PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024: India’s Largest National Assessment Survey Successfully Conducted Across A&N Islands

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: India’s largest National Assessment Survey, PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 (formerly known as National Assessment Survey) has been completed across all sampled schools in A&N Islands. This monumental assessment, organized by the National Assessment Centre (PARAKH), aimed at evaluating the academic competencies of students in Grades 3, 6, and 9, was conducted seamlessly across 3 Districts of A&N Islands, covering 121 schools with survey carried out in 194 classes involving an impressive 4376 students and 633 teachers.
Students were assessed in the core subjects such as Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and ‘The world around us’. Teachers and schools were also surveyed to gather comprehensive data about the education system. This data will contribute significantly for shaping future policies and reforms for improving learning outcomes and teaching methodologies.
The survey was conducted by the students of DIET in South Andaman, students of MGG College in North and Middle Andaman and students of Class XI in Nicobar District. The smooth execution of the survey reflects the concerted efforts of the Education Department, State Institute of Education, Samagra Shiksha, District Education Officers, school authorities, and the dedicated teachers of A&N Islands.

KVK-CIARI, South Andaman organized an “Awareness cum demonstration program on CIFA-Brood-Vac vaccine in fish farming”

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman, in association with ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Odisha organized an Awareness cum Demonstration programme on the use of the CIFA-Brood-Vac vaccine in fish farming on 04/12/2024 at ICAR-CIARI.
The program was graced in the Presence of Ms Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director, Dept. of Fisheries, South Andaman, A& N Islands, Dr Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Shri Vijaya Puram, Dr Mrinal Samanta, Head, Fish Health Management Division,ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar, Dr Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, South Andaman, fish farmer’s, Scientist and others.
The objective of the programme was to educate Island farmers and hatchery owners about the use of the CIFA-Brood-Vac vaccine in fish farming. Ms Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, applauded the efforts of CIARI in organizing a programme which will significantly contribute in enhancing knowledge and practices among local farmers, leading to improved fish production and health.
Dr Eaknath B. Chakurkar, highlighted about the way the vaccine will help and benefit the fish farming community of the Islands in disease management and thereby enhancing their income. Dr Mrinal Samanta, the person instrumental in developing the vaccine explained that the immunity-based vaccine is designed to enhance broadly acting innate immunity in spawns by transferring maternal immunity from brood fish, ultimately benefiting the aquaculture sector by improving fish health and productivity.
Demonstration about the application of the vaccine was also provided to the farmers. Dr K. Saravanan, Senior Scientist, Division of Fisheries Science, ICAR-CIARI discussed about disease surveillance and aquatic animal diseases in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dr Y. Ramakrishna welcomed the gathering and Dr J. Praveenraj, Scientist, Division of Fisheries Science, ICAR-CIARI proposed the vote of thanks. A total of 55 fish farmers participated and benefitted from the programme.

Tuberculosis Awareness and Screening Drive Conducted at Upper Katchal Amidst Challenging Conditions

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: A significant awareness and Active Case Finding (ACF) programme on Tuberculosis (TB) was conducted at Upper Katchal yesterday, under the guidance of Dr. Rubeena Yousuf, Medical Officer at PHC Katchal. Medical team included Shri D. Suresh Kumar (STS, NTEP), Ms. Anbin Roja (PHN), Ms. Margret (LHV), and Ms.Anjana (ANM).
Despite challenging weather conditions, the team travelled by boat and reached Upper Katchal. The team was committed in raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of TB, as part of the ongoing national mission to eradicate the disease.
Dr. Rubeena Yousuf delivered an informative speech covering crucial topics such as the signs and symptoms of TB, modes of transmission, and preventive measures. The session included a constructive discussion with the First Captain regarding the transportation of sputum samples, emphasizing the need for timely sample collection and submission for diagnosis.
A total of 96 individuals were screened for Tuberculosis during this event, which is a crucial step towards identifying and treating potential TB cases in the community. This initiative demonstrates the unwavering dedication of the medical team from PHC Katchal to promote public health and align with the national agenda of eradicating Tuberculosis.
The success of this event reflects the commitment of local healthcare teams in enhancing awareness, improving access to healthcare services, and ultimately fostering a healthier community.

Adoption Awareness Program Highlights Legal Framework and New Initiatives in A&N Islands

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under Directorate of Social Welfare organized an adoption awareness program on 29.11.2024 at Bambooflat Tsunami Shelter, with Anganwadi workers and general public.
Smti T. Dharmila, Programme Officer of State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) addressed on Legal Adoptions providing accurate information which helps dispel misconceptions and encourages a more positive outlook on adoption and also informed about the newly recognized Specialized Adoption Agencies in the A & N Islands. She explained the roles and responsibilities of Adoption Agencies, including how they facilitate the matching process and provide guidance throughout the adoption journey.
Smti. Suman S Barla (DCPU) Protection Officer (NIC) discussed the legal aspects of adoption including the procedures and documentation required with adoption, and ensuring that every child has a loving and stable home, adoptive parents to understand the legal framework involved.
Smti. Anitha Rao, Mukiya Sevika urged the general public to share the awareness they gained with friends and family members. The Anganwadi workers and general public suggested to encourage such parents in their community who were in need to adopt children and send them to the Directorate of Social Welfare, Room No. 308.

Skill Development Training Empowers 151 Youths in A&N Islands with Self-Employment Opportunities

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 08: The Directorate of Industries, in collaboration with its Departmental Training Centers across various Islands, successfully conducted a one-year Skill Development Training Program in multiple trades, including Carpentry, General Engineering, Cane & Bamboo Handicrafts, Coir Products, and Tailoring & Garment Making. A total of 151 candidates completed the training during the 2023-2024 session.
The program equipped participants with essential skills and knowledge to produce a diverse range of products such as cane and bamboo handicrafts, wooden artifacts, fabric works, readymade garments, and welding and fabrication items. The initiative aimed to empower trainees by creating self-employment opportunities and sustainable livelihood avenues.
The training program at the Sri Vijaya Puram Departmental Center concluded on November 30, 2024. To mark the occasion, a valedictory and awareness program was organized yesterday. The event was graced by Shri Rakesh Das, Director of Industries and Shri Ajit Anand, Deputy Director of Industries, along with other departmental officials and staffs.
During the event, trainees showcased the products they developed during the training, which received wide appreciation from the Director and visitors. Addressing the gathering, Director of Industries, commended the trainers and trainees for their dedication and creativity in crafting a variety of handicrafts and other items. He encouraged the trainees to utilize their acquired skills to enhance their livelihoods and emphasized exploring opportunities for online marketing to reach a broader customer base.
This program reaffirms the Directorate’s commitment to fostering skill development and entrepreneurship among the unemployed youth of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, paving the way for economic growth and self-reliance.