*::: Andaman Chronicle Updates :::* _*Please do share the updates with all you know…*_ *Join us on facebook today:* https://www.facebook.com/groups/andamanchronicle/ *Follow us on Twitter: @AndamanNews* *Do visit www.andamanchronicle.net for more on Andamans…* *Updates for* 31.01.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Five Officers of A&N Police Conferred Prestigious Medal for Meritorious Service* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 30:* It is a matter of great honour and pride for A&N Police that five (05) of officers have been conferred prestigious ‘Medal for Meritorious Service’ for their illustrious and unblemished service on the occasion of 76th Republic Day, 2025. The awards were announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of the Republic Day, 2025. *Sh. K. Nagendra Rao, Inspector (Electrical)* Shri Nagendra Rao, Inspector (Electrical) 01.10.1992 joined Andaman & Nicobar Police as ASI(RT) in Police Radio Organization. Subsequently he joined Police Marine Force, A&N Police as Inspector (Electrical) in the year 1999. He has undertaken many important initiatives to augment the Police Marine Force and enhance its operational capabilities. He has been instrumental in procurement of several vessels/boats to strengthen field operational activities by carrying out regular watch keeping and patrolling in the coastal areas of the Union Territory of A&N Islands. In appreciation of his good work and dedication rendered throughout his service career, he has been awarded with Police Medal for Meritorious Service. *Sh. D.K. Seal, SI* Shri D.K. Seal initially had joined A&N Police as Police Constable (Exe.) in the year 1992. Subsequently, he was promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector. He has successfully investigated several heinous cases and made sincere efforts for disposal of case properties, completion of investigation in a time bound manner. Presently he is posted at Police Training School and performing duty as Indoor faculty (Law Instructor). He has imparted training to the 71st, 72nd, 73rd & 74th batch of recruit constables with utmost sincerity and dedication. He rendered excellent service in indoor classes (Police Investigation & Indian Penal Code 1860 subjects Now BNS 2023). In appreciation of his good work and dedication rendered throughout his service career, he has been awarded with Police Medal for Meritorious Service. *Sh. Amal Kumar Das, HC/1682* Sh. Amal Kumar Das had joined A&N Police in 1988 as Constable and was promoted to the rank of Head Constable in 2019. He served at various units of Andaman & Nicobar Police and performed his duties with utmost dedication and sincerity. In recognition of his hard work and dedication towards his duties, he has been conferred the ‘Police Medal for Meritorious Service. *Sh. Ram Prasad, ASI (FS)* Sh. Ram Prasad had joined A&N Police as Constable Fireman during the year 1988 and was promoted to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector on 05.10.2018. He served at various Fire Stations of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The devotion towards his assigned duties as well as courage and presence of mind shown by him in firefighting operation and efforts taken by him in conducting fire safety awareness programme is commendable. In recognition of his hard work and dedication towards his duties, he has been conferred the “Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service”. *Smt. K. Kalai Chelvi, Home Guard(R)/413* Smt. K. Kalai Chelvi, HG(R)/413 enrolled as Home Guard Volunteer on 26.03.1992. During her entire service, she has been deployed for various Law & Order and Watch and Ward duties under A&N Police in various units. Considering her continuously honest and dedicated Service of more than 32 years, she has been conferred with ‘Home Guard Medal for Meritorious Service’. Sh. H.G.S. Dhaliwal, IPS, DGP, A&N Islands and all ranks of A&N Police complimented all the awardees for the distinctions conferred on them and bringing honour to A&N Police. They wished them success for their future career. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33531-five-officers-of-a-n-police-conferred-prestigious-medal-for-meritorious-service =============== *ANTCC President Urges Administration for Immediate Action on Liquid Nitrogen Plant Repair and Semen Straw Shortage in AH & VS Department* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 30:* The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Shri. Rangalal Halder has raised serious concerns regarding the prolonged non-functionality of the Liquid Nitrogen Plant at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH & VS) Department in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, he has urged immediate action to repair the plant and mitigate the acute shortage of semen straws essential for livestock breeding. He said that for over a year, the Liquid Nitrogen Plant has remained non-operational due to pending repairs and maintenance which has severely impacted artificial insemination programs, leading to a critical shortage of injection semen straws, which are vital for improving livestock productivity and maintaining genetic quality in cattle. He has raised key Concerns related to the Stagnation of Livestock Breeding Programs, Severe Financial Hardship of Farmers, Reduced Milk Supply & Nutritional Impact and Health Complications in Cattle. He also proposed interim measures, such as procuring liquid nitrogen and semen straws from other regions, to ensure the continuity of livestock breeding programs until the plant is fully operational. Furthermore, ANTCC President appeals the Administration to address this crisis promptly and safeguard the interests of farmers, livestock, and the local dairy industry in the Islands. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33530-antcc-president-urges-administration-for-immediate-action-on-liquid-nitrogen-plant-repair-and-semen-straw-shortage-in-ah-vs-department =============== *AATO Members Participate in OTM- 2025* *Mumbai, Jan 30:* A Delegation of members of Andaman Association of Tour Operators led by its President Shri M. Vinod are participating in the Ongoing Travel Fair OTM at Mumbai. The participants are promoting brand Andaman through the stalls of AATO and different stalls of various Tourism Stakeholders from the Islands. The fair will be for three days from 30th January to 1st February 2025. The Exhibition is being held at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC Complex, Mumbai. Shri Vinod said that participation in such big fairs will definitely help in promoting Brand Andamans at National Level and also provide an opportunity to the Islands tourism stakeholders to interact with Various travel Agents from all over the country. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33529-aato-members-participate-in-otm-2025 ================ *DLSA Conducts Legal Awareness Camp at Mithakhari Gram Panchayat* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 30:* A Legal Awareness Camp on Human Trafficking, Rights of Victims of Natural Disasters, and Labour Laws was organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Conference Hall, Office of the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Mithakhari, South Andaman, on 29th January, 2025. The program was graced by Shri Sudhir Kumar, Learned District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, DLSA, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, along with Shri Diptendra Nath Mitra, Learned Judge, Family Court, Port Blair, Smti Arkabrati Neogi, Learned Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Shri Anupam Sircar, Learned Judicial Magistrate First Class-II, Port Blair. During the event, the dignitaries delivered insightful addresses on various legal aspects, emphasizing the importance of legal provisions related to human trafficking, the rights of victims affected by natural disasters, and key labour laws protecting workers' rights. The session witnessed active participation from the local community, fostering a deeper understanding of legal rights and remedies. The event commenced with a formal welcome by the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Mithakhari, who greeted the esteemed dignitaries with floral bouquets. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33528-dlsa-conducts-legal-awareness-camp-at-mithakhari-gram-panchayat ================ *Eviction Drive Reclaims Encroached Land in Hutbay Village Little Andaman Tehsil* *Hut Bay, Jan 30:* The District Administration, South Andaman in its efforts to reclaim and safeguard public assets, has intensified its strategic encroachment eviction initiative, ensuring that government land is restored to its rightful purpose. During the recent phase of the eviction operation in Hutbay Village, the revenue officials successfully removed encroachments on revenue land by removing the unauthorized fencing and a total area of 0.1 hectares of government revenue land was reclaimed to government khata. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has cautioned the General Public that the District Administration has zero tolerance towards encroachment on government land and to refrain from encroaching on Government land. Residents are once again reminded of the importance of respecting government land boundaries and are encouraged to cooperate fully with the authorities to maintain the integrity of public spaces. The Administration's efforts will persist in the coming days, targeting other areas of the district to ensure that all encroachments are effectively addressed. In case of any inquires/complaints, the general public can communicate with the District Control Room at the following numbers 03192-240127/238881/1070/9531888844 (Whatsapp). The identity of the person providing the information will be kept secret so as to protect the individual. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33527-eviction-drive-reclaims-encroached-land-in-hutbay-village-little-andaman-tehsil =============== *ANTCC Observes 77th Martyrs’ Day of Mahatma Gandhi Ji at Gandhi Bhavan* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 30:* The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee on the 30th of January, 2025 solemnly observed the 77th Martyrs’ Day in remembrance of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji, at the Congress Office, Port Blair. On this observance, The ANTCC President Shri. Rangalal Halder garlanded the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi Ji followed by floral tributes from party leaders and members, honored his immense contributions to the nation and his unwavering commitment to truth, non-violence, and justice. The leaders reflected on his values and reiterated their commitment to upholding the principles he stood for. The gathering observed a moment of silence as a mark of respect to the great leader, remembered his sacrifice laid for the country’s independence and his lifelong struggle for social justice. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33526-antcc-observes-77th-martyrs-day-of-mahatma-gandhi-ji-at-gandhi-bhavan ================ *DIET Garacharma Conducts Workshop for D.El.Ed. Teacher Trainees* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 30:* Dr. S. Radhakrishnan District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Garacharma conducted a workshop on Personality Development, Mathematical and Scientific Attitude Development for the second year D.El.Ed Teacher Trainees yesterday. Shri Pankajakshan Nair, Vice Principal, PM SHRI GSSS Prothrapur inaugurated the programme. The workshop aimed to equip future educators with essential skills to foster scientific temperament, mathematical thinking, and soft skills among students at the foundational and preparatory stage. Today, an awareness programme on Mental Health issues in collaboration with Humane Touch was organised at DIET for the second year teacher trainees. Smti Deepa Nair, Principal, GSSS Manglutan inaugurated the program and stressed on the need for mental health education in addition to development of moral values and ethics in students. Expert’s sessions were conducted for Children with Special Needs. These Pre-Service workshops highlighted the importance of various themes of NEP 2020 and ways of addressing them at primary schools to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. The workshop featured a blend of lectures, interactive activities, and group discussions, providing trainees with hands-on experience and practical insights. Resource persons and Experts from the field of education and Human Touch shared their knowledge and experiences. Certificates of participation were distributed to all attendees during the valedictory function. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33525-diet-garacharma-conducts-workshop-for-d-el-ed-teacher-trainees =============== *Samagra Siksha Organises Capacity Building Programme for Balvatika Teachers* *Diglipur, Jan. 30:* In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the significance of early childhood education, a two-day Capacity-Building Programme for Balvatika Teachers is being organized by the State Project Office (Samagra Shiksha), Shiksha Sadan, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Block Project Office, Diglipur. The programme got underway today with its inauguration by Smti Sulochana, Deputy Education Officer/Block Project Officer (SS), Diglipur. In her address, she underscored the importance of teacher training and encouraged Pre - Primary Teachers and Part - Time Pre School Teachers (Balvatika Teachers) from various schools to actively participate and implement innovative Teaching-Learning Methods in their classrooms to support the holistic development of students. The sessions were conducted by expert resource persons from SIE, Shri Shaji Thomas, Dr. Bency Joy, Shri Deepak Ram, & Shri B. Neelaiah, SE, SPMU – NIPUN Bharat Mission, A & N Islands. The training focused on Integrating Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) with formal schooling, ensuring that Balvatika classes are well-equipped and adhere to quality standards. The goal is to enhance the academic and developmental progress of children aged 3 to 6 years. A total of 74 Balvatika teachers from the Diglipur Educational Zone participated in the programme. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33524-samagra-siksha-organises-capacity-building-programme-for-balvatika-teachers ================ *Anti Leprosy Day Observed at ANIIMS* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 30:* As part of Anti Leprosy Day observance, a function was held today in the Auditorium of ANIIMS, in which, the Director of Health Services In-charge, Dr. Siddaraju, CMO (NFSG) was the chief guest. In his address, the chief guest spoke on social aspects of Leprosy and also on the present scenario of Leprosy in these Islands and appealed to the audience gathered in the hall to disseminate the scientific facts about Leprosy amongst the masses. This year, SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign 2025 has been launched with the theme ‘Together let us raise awareness, dispel misconceptions & ensure that no one affected by Leprosy is left behind’. The Deputy Director (Leprosy) along with other Programme Officers, Principal Nursing School, Additional Medical Superintendent, ANIIMS and student of ANM School and staff from various programme of Directorate of Health Services were present on the occasion. Earlier, the Deputy Director (Leprosy), Dr. B. Ajit Kumar, welcomed the gathering and highlighted about Leprosy, its treatment and the social aspects of it, especially the stigma and discrimination. He also administered the oath on ‘Anti Leprosy Day’. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33523-anti-leprosy-day-observed-at-aniims ================ *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *Don’t Retire from Life..!* Quite a few of us wait to retire. We long for the days when we have nothing to do, go nowhere and stay put. I do believe too many of such days can be boring and quite disastrous. My neighbor Mr Kishore retired the other day and since our terraces are joined at the centre he told me not to bring my dog up as he wanted to laze around. I watched him 'lazing around' on the terrace for the first day, again the second day and Mr Kishore found it too troublesome climbing up and decided to laze around at home and in bed: Here's what a child thought of his retired grandparents: ‘We used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to where everyone lives in nice little houses, so they don't have to mow the grass anymore! They wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore. There is a swimming pool, and they all jump up and down in it with hats on. So far so good, right? Now comes deeper observations: ‘At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches them all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts! Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night --- early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll's house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the others, who eat it greedily. My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll's house. Then I will let all the people out, so they can go out and have a nice time outside!’ And all our lives we think that the 'inside' of retirement is great while it is the outside world that is sweeter still. By advice again; never retire. Retire from your job maybe, but not from life. Find something that will keep you occupied all the time, and yes never put your boots up. You don't want to be thought of as retarded, do you? Nor do you want to be like my neighbour Mr Kishore who spends all his time in bed and has now started telling everybody he is depressed. And when you work, take small breaks, call them ‘retirement breaks’ to please yourself, but don’t ever listen to the 70 hour or 90 hour a week people. They are the ones who need to retire, to stop filling our minds with thoughtless and ridiculous views..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33522-don-t-retire-from-life ================