ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for January 7, 2025

ZP Member Demands Immediate Payment of Pending Dues for Vehicles Hired During Lok Sabha Elections of over Rs. 46 Lakhs

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Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, 07, January: Smti. Sunity Halder, Zilla Parishad Member from the Keralapuram Constituency, Diglipur has advocated an immediate action regarding pending payments for vehicle hiring during Lok Sabha Elections in 2019 as well as in 2024.
According to information, Smti. Sunity Halder has raised the unresolved payment issues concerning the vehicle owners and drivers from the Diglipur area.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the ZPM said that for the Lok Sabha Election of 2024, vehicles were hired by the Election Authorities with an assurance that the payments would be reportedly cleared within two to three months. However, despite elapsing a considerable period of time, a total amount of Rs. 32,10,462.46 remains reportedly unpaid, as alleged by Smti. Halder. This delay has caused significant distress, as the vehicle owners and drivers are still awaiting their dues, she added.
Furthermore, the payment of Rs. 14,27,953/- for vehicles hired during the 2019 Lok Sabha Election reportedly remains pending despite several requests for its settlement, she said. During both 2019 and 2024 elections, the concerned authorities reportedly assured the vehicle owners and drivers that payments would be made promptly, yet no action has been taken to fulfill their promises, she maintained.
The non-payment of these dues is causing serious financial strain on the vehicle owners and drivers, who rely on these earnings for their livelihood, she said. Despite multiple reminders, no effective steps have been reportedly taken to resolve the issue, she further decried.
In light of this situation, she further said that if the District Election Officer does not clear the outstanding payments for both the 2019 and 2024 elections without further delay, she along with other PRI Members and the stakeholders will be reportedly compelled to mount a protest. The protest will reportedly take the form of a strike in front of the Administrative Building, Diglipur on 10th January 2024, as a last resort to seek attention to this matter, she threatened.
Smti. Sunity Halder has reportedly written a letter to the Honourable Lieutenant Governor, A & N Islands, Raj Niwas, Sri Vijaya Puram seeking for resolving the payment issue early, she further added.

Mrs. Rupa Ray, Wife of MP Bishnu Pada Ray, Passes Away at 81; Islanders Pay Heartfelt Tributes

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 7: Mrs. Rupa Ray (81), wife of the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, passed away at G.B. Pant Hospital at 4:30 AM on January 7, 2025, after battling age-related illnesses for six months.
Mrs. Ray worked in the A&N Administration in clerical cadre and Retd. as Assistant Secretary. She was a beacon of strength to Mr. BP Ray and was active in Social Work. She has always been approachable and helped needy people as and when they met her with their grievances.
Her body was kept at “Praja Niwas”, the office of the MP for some time and also at BJP Bhavan briefly to enable well-wishers and party workers to pay their obeisance. The last rites of the departed was held at the Junglighat cremation ground. People from all walks of life and political Party leaders cutting across party lines paid their last respects to the departed soul.
All the staff of MP office have also condoled the death of Mrs. Ray and prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and enough strength to Mr. BP Ray to bear this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, former Member of Parliament, expressed his heartfelt condolences, calling Mrs. Ray a remarkable woman and a constant pillar of support for Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray. He prayed for strength for the family and eternal peace for the departed soul.
Mr. M. Vinod, President of AATO, along with his association members, conveyed their sympathies, highlighting Mrs. Ray’s contributions to the community.

The Hindu Rashtra Shakti team also deeply mourned her demise, describing her as an irreplaceable loss and praying for the bereaved family’s strength to cope with the tragedy.
Mr. Vishal Jolly, BJP National Executive Member, remembered her as a dedicated political and social figure, emphasizing her work as Mahila Morcha Prabhari.
The Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram team, led by its State Media Incharge, Mr. Ram Kumar Singh, paid tearful tributes, recalling her simplicity, cheerful nature, and active role in the organization’s founding and growth.

 

Andaman to Showcase Maritime Heritage in National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 7:The Andaman & Nicobar Administration will be developing its coastal UT Pavilion in the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. NMHC will serve as an international tourist destination to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage. NMHC will consolidate all diverse and vibrant artefacts from ancient to modern times and provide access to the public, to spread awareness and to learn about the same and inspire public from maritime heritage. The Pavilions will be designed & themed in relation to the architecture, culture, lifestyle and maritime heritage showcasing the following:
• Coastal archaeological sites along with the port towns.
• Artefacts, Antiquities like sculptures, terracotta figurines, coins, paintings, manuscripts etc. showing the rich maritime traditions.
• Monuments/temples/forts and cave sites along with Sculptures/ inscriptions.
• Communities living in the coast, their culture & traditions.
• Boat building technique along with the legacy of shipbuilding.
• Trade, culture & religious interactions of each State/UT with the foreign nations.
• Tracing the continuity of art & craft like bead making, pottery, textiles, metal work etc.,
• Replicas of the forts, coastline activities, ancient ships and celebrating festivals/regional maritime heritage/ culture/ folklore / food etc.
Accordingly, the general public/voluntary organizations/individuals have been requested to contribute all relevant information/ materials available in this regard. All concerned may intimate about the availability of such information/materials to the Secretary (Art & Culture), Andaman & Nicobar Administration (e-mail ID: artand.culture@and.nic.in) for showcasing the same in the NMHC. Your kind co-operation is solicited in enabling the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to showcase its rich and diverse Maritime Heritage in the Andaman & Nicobar Pavilion at Lothal, Gujarat. All contributions received will be duly acknowledged by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

 

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

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I am deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Rupa Ray, the beloved wife of Shri Bishnu Pada Ray ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament A & N Islands.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shri Bishnu Ji and his family during this difficult time. May they find strength and comfort, and may her soul rest in peace.
With Grief
Pradhan
Gram Panchayat
Diglipur, North Andaman

Heartfelt Gratitude

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I extend my deepest gratitude to the Hon’ble LG Office, senior officers of the Administration, Police officials, leaders of various political parties, BJP karyakartas, well-wishers, members of the business community, and the general public for standing by me during this time of profound grief.
Your presence and support at the funeral of my beloved wife, Smti Rupa Ray, on 7th January 2025, have been a source of immense strength. I have lost the guiding light of my life and my cherished companion of many years, and your heartfelt condolences have deeply touched me.
Thank you all for your kindness, compassion, and solidarity during this difficult time.
(BISHNU PADA RAY)
Member of Parliament
A & N Islands

Gratitude

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It is with great sorrow that I learned about the demise of Smt. Rupa Ray Ji, Retd. Assistant Secretary, A&N Administration, and the beloved wife of Member of Parliament Shri. Bishnu Pada Ray Ji.

Smt. Rupa Ray Ji was a remarkable woman who stood as a constant source of support and strength to Shri. Bishnu Pada Ray Ji. Her active involvement in social work and community services are commendable.

In this hour of profound grief, my family and I extend our deepest sympathies to Shri. Bishnu Pada Ray Ji. May the Almighty grant him the courage to endure this irreplaceable loss and may Smt. Rupa Ray Ji’s noble soul rests in eternal peace.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family during this difficult time.

With profound grief,
Kuldeep Rai Sharma
Former Member of Parliament
Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Awareness and Screening Programme on HIV & STIs organized by A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) in association with the Directorate of Transport, A&N Islands

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 07: Awareness and Screening camp for HIV & STIs was organized by A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) in association with Directorate of Transport on 7th January 2025 at the premises of Directorate of Transport. Around 80 employees from the Directorate of Transport participated in the program and also volunteered for the screening during the camp.
The screening for HIV & STIs was done by the NGO, Jan Lok Kalyan Parishad (JLKP) who is working with ANACS in A & N Islands for the prevention of HIV among communities.
The camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, A & N AIDS Control Society.
Dr. Jahanara Yasmeen, DD (MS & IEC) from ANACS, shared valuable insights on the prevention and control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), along with other relevant information.
The primary goal of this initiative is to provide participants with accurate information about HIV & STIs and to reduce stigma, promote preventive measures, and offer voluntary testing services at the doorstep.

ICAR-CIARI Conducts Annual Sports – 2024

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 07: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) successfully conducted its Annual Sports – 2024 with a vibrant prize distribution ceremony during the period from 10.12.2024 to 03.01.2025. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the staff members of ICAR-CIARI, including project staff, contractual staff, and their family members. A total of around 71 events were conducted, including various indoor, outdoor, and athletic events, fostering a sense of harmony, inclusivity, and team spirit among the participants. The Chief Guest for the occasion, Mrs. Sandhya Kispotta, a National and International Awardee in Kayaking, graced the event with her presence and addressed the gathering.
She highlighted the importance of giving a boost to sports at all levels, especially within organizations, as a way to nurture physical and mental well-being. The Guest of Honour, Mr. S. Sengupta, a renowned cycling coach, shared his insights on the significance of sports in fostering discipline, resilience, and team spirit. The prize distribution ceremony was conducted at ICAR-CIARI on 03.01.2025 and coordinated by Dr. K. Saravanan, Member Secretary of the Sports Committee. The ceremony began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Jai Sunder, Chairman of the Sports Committee. During the ceremony, referees and umpires, including Mr. Prshish Kumar, Mr. A. Babuswamy, and Mr. Surya, were honored with mementos and words of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the successful organization of the events. Prizes were distributed to the winners of various sports events. The coveted Overall Championship Trophy was awarded to Swaraj Lions House, while the prestigious Best Athlete Awards were presented to Mr. Shyam Sundar Rao and Mrs. Nutan Roy in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, appreciated the participants for their enthusiasm and spirit with healthy competition and encouraged them to maintain an active lifestyle. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, Organizing Secretary of the event, who acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in making the event a grand success.

Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair to telecast live phone-in programme ‘Doctors Speak’ on the Topic – Hypertension during Pregnancy

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 07: Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair will telecast Live phone-in programme ‘Doctors Speak’ on the Topic – “Hypertension during Pregnancy” on 08.01.2025 (Wednesday)from 5:30 pm to 6.00 pm. Surg Lt Cdr (Dr) Apphia Saphir Kathi (graded Spl Obs and Gyn) will be the expert in the Studio answering to the queries of the viewers.
Viewers can participate in this LIVE Phone-in programme by dialling on Phone No 244745 or 217213.

Hindi Awareness Camp Inaugurated for D.El.Ed. Trainees at Garacharma

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan.7: Hindi Bhasha Sanchetana Shivir was inaugurated today at Dr. S. R. DIET, Garacharma for the second year D.El.Ed. Trainees by the Central Institute of Hindi, Hyderabad. Smti Sangeeta Chand, Principal of SIE, was the chief guest of the inaugural programme while Smts. Archana Singh, Principal of GSSS Girls, was the guest of honour.
In her address, the chief guest, emphasized the importance of Hindi as a unifying language in India and underscored the role of such initiatives in fostering linguistic and cultural awareness. The guest of honour appreciated the efforts of the Central Institute of Hindi in promoting Hindi language and literature, encouraging participants to take pride in their linguistic heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sunil Kulkarni, Director, Central Institute of Hindi, Agra (MoE, GoI) highlighted the richness of Hindi language while Prof. Gangadhar Wanode, Area-Director, Central Institute of Hindi, Hyderabad Center (MoE, GoI) emphasized the role of Hindi in shaping India’s cultural identity.
Earlier, Shri J. Dasan Pushparaj, Principal, DIET welcomed the gathering. The Hindi Bhasha Sanchetana Shivir aims to promote Hindi language skills and create awareness about its historical and cultural significance among educators, students, and the local community. The event being held from Jan. 7 to 18 will include workshops, seminars, and cultural activities for the D.El.Ed. Trainees.