Archives for March 24, 2025

Port Blair, Mar 24: To observe World TB Day 2025, the District Administration, through its District Health Society, South Andaman, organized an auto rally on March 24, 2025 with the theme, “YES! We Can END TB – Commit. Invest. Deliver”
The rally, which began from the District Administration, featured a vibrant procession of vehicles spreading the important message of TB eradication throughout the Sri Vijaya Puram. The event saw enthusiastic participation from officials, healthcare workers, and local residents. Shri. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (SA), flagged off the rally and took the TB Free Pledge along with officials and staff of the District Administration.
The pledge, taken by all attendees, was a solemn commitment to support the collective goal of a TB-free South Andaman, highlighting the significance of commitment, investment, and delivery in the battle against tuberculosis. Shri. Arjun Sharma, IAS also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to end TB and the vital role of public participation in achieving this goal.
In addition to the rally, the event featured the distribution of prizes to the winners of the Sand Art Competition, which was held on March 23, 2025, at the picturesque Carbyn Cove Beach. The competition saw participants showcasing their creativity and awareness about TB through sand art, further emphasizing the importance of spreading knowledge about the disease in a unique and engaging manner.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Arjun Sharma stated, “Our commitment towards a TB-free South Andaman is unwavering. The efforts of the District Health Society, along with the participation of our local communities, are crucial in our fight against TB. The observance of World TB Day today and the pledge we have taken together symbolize our collective determination to end this disease.”

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: Youth Parliament under Viksit Bharat Program held here at Andaman Law College on a grand note. A five-member jury screened the participants and selected a team of top ten by observing their performance on the parameters of content and substance, communication skills, presentation skills, clarity of ideas and thoughts and levels of confidence.
The member-jury includes Ms. Atasi Chauhan- Principal Navy Children School, Mr Som Naidu- Retired Director, Civil Supplies Department, Dr Rashida Iqbal- Retired. Assistant Director Department of Art and Culture, Mr Vishal Yadav- Principal PM Mr. Kendriya Vidyaalaya No II and Mr Debdas Paik Senior Scientist and Deputy Manager ISRO.
Team of top ten selected in nodal round screening held at Andaman Law College on Monday. Jeet Saojal – TGCE, Aantra Baroi – DBRAIT, Komalpreet Kaur , Ayush Raj –, Esha Ebyinson , Sayantika Mistry , Puja Halder , Aliya Majeed , M Akansha ( All from ALC) , S Lavanya Rao – (Online Presentation)
Among the top ten, three will be selected to represent Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Youth Parliament to be held at New Delhi in the next month. For this there will be another round of screening to select three. The topic for this selection is 75 Years of Indian Constitution; A Journey y of Rights, Duties and Progress. Candidates are allowed to present it in four -minute duration before the jury. Time and venue will be communicated to the members shortly.
Inaugurating the programme, the Director Education and Sports, A & N Administration, Mr Vikram Singh underlined the need of competitive spirit in sports, competitions etc. He asked the students to improve their mental faculties through reading good books, listening to lectures, discussions and debates. He appealed to the teachers to conduct at least one hour to promote original thinking about IQ levels.
Deputy Director Nehru Yuva Kendra Mr Sukharanjan Biswas gave an account of this scheme of Viksit Bharat – Youth Parliament-2025. Youth from different colleges and the non –student youth from various villages and towns in the A & N Islands uploaded their one-minute video on My Bharat Portal, he said. Among hundreds of participants, as many as 100 were selected in the screening held on 18th March in presence of NSS Programme Officers and other jury members.
Principal Andaman Law College Dr P V Nagendra Sarma welcomed the gathering. He thanked the Director Education and Sports for nominating Law College as a nodal college to carry out this Youth Parliament. The concept has been taken to all youth through extensive publicity drives among all the colleges including Nicobar Islands, he said. The entire programme was monitored by the Nodal NSS Programme Officer, Viksit Bharat –Youth Parliament 2025, Mr Rajiv Mondal from day one to completion with the active coordination from NYK APA Mr Gopal Biswas. Ms Veena anchored the event from start to finish. Mementos and certificates were distributed among all participants including the top ten selected.
A team of students form Andaman Law College volunteered to make it a grand success. A selfie-point is arranged at the venue, where students of various colleges take photos to post it in their respective social media accounts. Students signed a signature campaign on the ‘One Nation- One Election’ board. Mr Vikram Singh did his first signature.

Mayabunder, Mar. 24:In a spirited commitment to public health, the District TB Centre, District TB Unit, District Health Society, North & Middle Andaman observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day under the theme ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’. The key highlight of the day’s events was a motorcycle rally flagged off by Ms. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman.
Around 70 motorcyclists participated in the rally, which passed through Mayabunder Bazaar and Webi Junction, promoting TB awareness with banners and placards. A mobile van also spread important TB prevention messages across nearby villages.
A felicitation program was held in the Conference Hall of Dr. R.P. Hospital, recognizing the outstanding efforts of local leaders and health workers in the battle against TB.
Ms. Nandini Maharaj, Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman presented TB Free Certificates and mementos to the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayats of Basantipur and Chainpur respectively, who were honored for their significant achievement in maintaining TB-free status for the year 2024. The duo expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the collective effort of their communities in achieving this critical milestone. “Today, we stand united in our fight against tuberculosis,” stated Ms. Nandini Maharaj, Deputy Commissioner during her address at the subsequent felicitation program. “The theme emphasizes our shared responsibility; with commitment, investment, and diligent delivery of healthcare services, we can envision a TB-free future.”
Dr. Alice Bwa, Medical Officer In-charge briefed the gathering about the current scenario of TB Status of North and Middle Andaman and she appealed the gathering to come forward and be a part of this programme as Ni-Kshay Mitra to eliminate TB from the Society.
Additionally, Nikshay Mitras linked with DR. R.P. Hospital, were also awarded Certificates of Appreciation and mementos in acknowledgment of their invaluable contributions. These individuals have played a crucial role in supporting TB patients, ensuring they receive necessary care and treatment.
The program was attended by approximately 100 participants, including Medical Officers, hospital staff, ASHA, members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) and general public. Their participation underscores the collective commitment to combat TB and improve health outcomes within the region.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 24: The valedictory function of the 12-day Skill Development Training Program on Tour Guide organised by Tourism Department in association with Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Bhubaneswar from 12/03/2025 to 24/03/2025 was held today in the Training hall of Directorate of Disaster Management, marking the culmination of an intensive and enriching training session for aspiring tour guides. The program was organized to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge required for professional tour guiding in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.:
The Director (Tourism), Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS, while addressing the participants in the valedictory program, congratulated them for getting this opportunity as the Department had made tremendous efforts for organising this training program and getting them trained from the best institute in the country for this Certification Course. He emphasized the significance of the recently launched Policy on Bird-Watching and upcoming Policy on Astro-Tourism, which are expected to open new avenues in the tourism sector. The participants gained valuable insights into these policies and their potential impact on sustainable tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he said. He further stated that the orientation on French language would enable them to cater to a broader spectrum of International tourists. He said that this certification course has a crucial role in enhancing their professional capabilities and preparing them for a successful career in the tourism sector
During this 12 days training program, the participants were provided insights on the Concepts of Atithi Devo Bhava, Conceptual Framework of Tourism, Code of Conduct of Tourist Guide, Travel formalities, Cultural History of India and A & N Island, Professional need for Tourist Guide, Communication skills & personality development, Understanding Group behaviour, Personal Hygiene & Tour Guiding Skill, PAT Regulations and Safety, Security of Tourist in Andaman and importance of destinations.
The aspirants had an introduction and orientation on French language. They were given field exposure in all the museums, heritage sites, nature parks & Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Island. The trainees made a role play as Guides for different destinations given to them, so as to develop necessary communication skills and language proficiency to excel in the Tourism Industry. This training will help in bridging the gap of well-trained Tourist Guides for the travellers visiting the Islands The resource persons from IITTM, Dr. Swajan extended a warm welcome to all attendees and expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by the participants. He gave an overview of the training program while Dr. Subramanian from IITTM, Bhubaneswar in his concluding remarks, thanked the Department of Tourism for their proactive initiatives in skilling 100 youth to enhance their employability in tourism sector.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: On March 21, 2025, 156 students and 6 teachers from Govt. Sr. Sec. School in Bathubasti, Sri Vijaya Puram, visited on a study tour to the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-CIARI. The primary aim of this visit was to enhance the students’ understanding of the research activities taking place at ICAR-CIARI. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, a Senior Scientist, along with his team from the Horticulture Division, provided insightful information regarding the Medicinal Garden. Dr. J. Praveenraj elaborated on the establishment of the freshwater ornamental fish unit, sharing valuable insights into the market demand and value of hoppies for aquarium setups in residential and commercial spaces. Furthermore, Dr. Abhilash and his team from the Natural Resource Management Division explained the various sensors utilized at the Agromet observatory station for monitoring weather conditions. Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, a Scientist, explained an overview of the Modern Goat unit, Rabbit unit, and other facilities within the Animal Science Division. Finally, Mr. Alex Praveen Barla, Senior Technical Assistant, informed the students about the range of books and journals accessible in the library.
Before the activities commenced, Mr. D. Karunakaran, a Scientist, warmly welcomed the students and emphasized the institute’s dedication to promoting agricultural advancement in the islands. The visit was coordinated by Mr. D. Karunakaran, along with Mr. T. Adharsh Narayana, Young Professional-I, and Mr. Uma Sankar from the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, all under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI in Port Blair.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 24: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), CIARI, Nicobar successfully organized a Training-cum-Exhibition Program on Integrated Farming System (IFS) for Sustainable Livelihoods at the Community Hall, Tapoiming Village, Car Nicobar. The event aimed to enhance awareness and adoption of the IFS model for improving the socio-economic resilience of farmers in the Nicobar Islands. The program was graced by Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars, as the Chief Guest; Mr. Lionald Nicomed, Chief Captain, as the Guest of Honour; and Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, as the Key Speaker. Representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry Departments, along with the First headman, Mr. Lawrence Mathew and Second Headmen Mr. Simon William of Tapoiming Village, were also present during the inaugural session. The exhibition was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest followed by a visit to the various stalls setup by KVK, Nicobar, Agriculture, Fisheries, and local community showcasing agricultural technologies, tools, and local Nicobar products. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, appreciated the initiative and encouraged the participants to actively engage in the training. He also interacted with the farmers, discussing the potential of IFS in improving income, food security, and environmental sustainability in the Nicobar. Chief Captain Lionald Nicomed, the Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of traditional agricultural knowledge and encouraged farmers to adopt scientific advancements while preserving their indigenous practices. In his keynote address, Dr. E.B. Chakurkar emphasized the pivotal role of KVKs in promoting agricultural innovation in the region. He elaborated on the significance of the IFS model in ensuring sustainable livelihoods while conserving the traditional values and biodiversity of the Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Nicobar, welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and introduced the aims and objectives of the program. The technical training sessions were led by Dr. Sanketh G.D, Dr. Akshay, and Mr. Deepoo Meena, who delivered insightful lectures on the implementation and benefits of the IFS model in the island ecosystem. As part of the event, various agricultural inputs were distributed to farmers and farm women to promote mechanization and adoption of improved agricultural practices. A total of 70 farmers, including 27 male farmers and 43 farm women, actively participated in the program.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 24: A State-Level Function was organized in the Auditorium of ANIIMS to mark World TB Day 2025. Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was attended by the Director of Health Services, Medical Superintendent of G.B. Pant Hospital, Heads of Departments and faculty members of ANIIMS, Programme Officers from the Directorate of Health Services, as well as students from ANIIMS and other health institutions.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, officially launched the Annual TB Report 2025 on the occasion. In his address, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and encouraged active participation in TB elimination efforts through the dissemination of accurate information and regular screening of vulnerable populations. He also reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to achieving the goal of TB elimination.
The programme commenced with a welcome song performed by the students of the School of Nursing, Sri Vijaya Puram. Dr. P. Lal, State TB Officer, A&N Islands, delivered a detailed presentation on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Tuberculosis. He also elaborated on the various interventions being undertaken under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) in alignment with the National Strategic Plan for TB elimination.
Dr. Natraj, Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, ANIIMS, provided insights into recent advances in TB treatment. A skit on TB diagnosis and treatment was presented by volunteers from the Nehru Yuva Kendra, adding an engaging element to the awareness programme.
As part of the event, the chief guest distributed certificates to the winners of various competitions held in observance of World TB Day 2025. The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Keerthivasan, Microbiologist, NTEP.