*::: 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* 22.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Member of Parliament Calls for Urgent Resolution of Long Pending Issues of PRIs* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 21:* Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has expressed deep concern over the mass dharna staged by Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members of North & Middle Andaman at Billiground Bazaar and Diglipur today (21/02/2025). The protest stems from the administration's ongoing inattention to their long-standing demands and lack of support in ensuring their effective functioning under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. The PRI representatives, comprising members from Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayats, have raised the main demands namely: (1) Restoration of Funds, Devolution of powers and Functioning as per 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendment, in which a decisions during the meeting in 2023 between Admn. & PRIs was already held and committed to restore it but not honoured so far. (2) Restoration of power to Gram Panchayat to issue work orders to the Societies in terms of 2012 notification (3) Timely preparation of estimates, which is being delayed due to non-cooperation from the Engineering Wing of PRIs, causing setbacks in work approvals and execution (4) Allocation of funds to PRIs and Municipal bodies as per the recommendations of the 4th UT Finance Commission, ensuring at least 35% of the total plan fund etc. The Member of Parliament said that due to the withdrawal of their legally authorized functions and powers, the PRIs are unable to address the needs of their respective villages, placing them in an untenable position before the public. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Member of Parliament, has earnestly requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and the Chief Secretary of A&N Islands to take immediate steps to resolve these pressing concerns. Further, in order to resolve the issues, the MP has requested to arrange an urgent meeting with PRI representatives at Sri Vijayapuram to facilitate a constructive dialogue and expedite necessary administrative action. A timely resolution will not only bring an end to the ongoing protest but also ensure the smooth functioning of local governance in the interest of the people of North & Middle Andaman. The MP has also appealed to the administration to treat this matter with the utmost urgency and seriousness it deserves. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33754-member-of-parliament-calls-for-urgent-resolution-of-long-pending-issues-of-pris ================= *Indian Chamber of Commerce Organises ‘Andaman Food Tech Conclave’ in Association with Directorate of Industries* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Kolkata, under the support of Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India, in association with Directorate of Industries, A & N Administration organized ‘Andaman Food Tech Conclave’ today at Hotel Sinclairs Bay view, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was aimed at brainstorming with stakeholders about the scope and opportunities available in the Food Processing Sector and mutually ventilating the in-situ issues that are hindering the growth of Food processing sector especially in coconut and fisheries sector. Considering the potential in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Govt. of India has taken this initiative to attract investment in the food processing industries sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands through this Conclave. The Conclave was inaugurated by Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agri/AH&VS), A & N Administration in the presence of Dr. J.P.Dongare, Deputy Agricultural Marketing Advisor, MOFPI, Shri Rakesh Das, Director of Industries and Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director (Fisheries), Ms. Madhuparna Bhowmick, Senior Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Dr. K. Chandrasekaran, President, Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Sri Vijaya Puram. In her inaugural address, the Secretary (Agriculture) dwelt into the areas where ample scope is available in Food Processing Sector. She emphasized the need to harness organic livestock resources which remains untapped that could be branded not only in mainland but also in the International Market. The Director (Fisheries) discussed the new technology available in Fish Processing Sector and thrust upon creating new food products using Fish meat or fishery products. The Director of Industries gave an outline of initiative taken by Industries Department and schemes like Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) being implemented for promotion of Food Processing Sector. Earlier, the Senior Director welcomed the gathering and gave a brief introduction about the Conclave. The President, ANCCI proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by a technical session, during which, Senior Officials/Scientists/Resource Persons from MOFPI, Fisheries Survey of India, MPEDA, CFTRI, NABARD, SBI and Industries Department projected various activities undertaken by respective agencies for promoting Food Processing Sector. Shri Sindhupathi Raja, Assistant Director (Tech), Directorate of Industries gave detail presentation on PMFME scheme of MOFPI. Ms. Sunitha Kumari, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries gave a brief on Start Up initiatives of the Department and Start Up Pitching session in addition to Handicraft Logo/Slogan and promotion Video Competition conducted on Feb.20, 2025. The winners of the competition were given Merit Certificate in recognition of their works. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33753-indian-chamber-of-commerce-organises-andaman-food-tech-conclave-in-association-with-directorate-of-industries ============== *Police Control Room Conducts Specialized Life-Saving Training Program for Police Personnel in PCR Vans* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 21:* On 20/02/2025, the Police Control Room Unit successfully conducted a comprehensive and specialized training program on life-saving techniques for police personnel deputed in PCR and Parakaram vehicles. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the ability of police officers to provide immediate medical assistance during emergencies, thereby ensuring a swift and effective response on critical situations. The training session was taken up by certified medical professionals and emergency response experts. During the session, the police personnel have been trained on critical skills such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), bleeding control, handling unconscious victims and responding to choking incidents. Throughout the training, police personnel were not only taught about the theoretical aspects of emergency care but were also given hands-on experience to applying these techniques in real-world situations. The program aimed to ensure that PCR and Parakaram vehicles personnel are not only trained in law enforcement but also skilled in providing immediate pre-hospital care, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response in the region. The program highlights the department's dedication to continuous professional development and its proactive approach to public service. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33752-police-control-room-conducts-specialized-life-saving-training-program-for-police-personnel-in-pcr-vans ================= *ASA Celebrates the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 21:* Andaman Sangeet Academy (ASA) Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram, celebrated the ‘Silver Jubilee’ of “International Mother Language Day” on 21st February 2025, Friday. The programme was arranged Anant Vihar Colony, Teylrabad, Garacharma, Sri Vijaya Puram at 5.30pm. Shri Tapas Kumar Das, President of Academy was the Chief Guest in this cultural programme. The Function was inaugurated with the floral tribute on the photo of Bhasha Sahid Smarak Mancha by the Gathering. Smti. Namita Home Chowdhury, member of ASA welcomed the gathering. The members of the Academy (ASA) presented an inaugural song ‘Aamar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano 21 Shee February’. After that one-by-one music lovers, and students presented solo song, group song, and poem. Audience was mesmerized of the speech by the Chief Guest Shri Tapas Kumar Das. The programme was concluded at 7.30pm with the vote of thanks by Shri Soumen Home Chowdhury, the General Secretary of Andaman Sangeet Academy (ASA), Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33751-asa-celebrates-the-silver-jubilee-of-international-mother-language-day =============== *Awareness-cum-Health Camp Organised at Durgapur* *Diglipur, Feb. 21:* The Community Health Centre, Diglipur organized an Awareness-cum- Health Camp at Macchi Dera, Durgapur yesterday under the supervision of Dr. Shalini Singh, Senior Medical Officer, CHC, Diglipur. The programme began with a welcome address by Smti Seema Brohma, Health Educator, CHC, Diglipur. Dr. Shipra Mistry, MO (Ayurveda), CHC, Diglipur gave a Health Talk on 10% reduction in consumption of edible oil and also explained the harmful effects of reheated cooking oil while Dr. Shravan Kumar Hawladar, Medical Officer briefed about the ill effects of Tobacco use. Apart from this, NCD screening was carried out for the individual above 30 years of age. The camp provided Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Dental consultation along with distribution of free medicines to those in need. Shri Shamsher Singh, Yoga Instructor, CHC, Diglipur demonstrated yoga techniques for managing various health condition. More than 50 people benefitted from the camp. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33750-awareness-cum-health-camp-organised-at-durgapur =============== *Disaster Management Conducts Fourth Mock Drill on Earthquake* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Administration conducted the fourth mock drill on Earthquake at the Directorate of Education and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, A&N Administration today in accordance with the Chief Secretary's directive to hold quarterly mock drills in every Department. In order to evaluate the Department's disaster response, the drill was carried out in collaboration with the District Administration, A&N Police, Health, Fire, NDRF and Electricity agencies. Real-time earthquake simulation scenarios were created. The exercise involved 110 officials/staff of RCS & Education, 40 representatives/teams from resource Departments and 25 Civil Defence/Aapda Mitra Volunteers of South Andaman (SA). In accordance with the drill scenario, the Department's incident commander quickly sent out teams to warn all employees to evacuate safely after learning of an earthquake. They also notified the appropriate resource Departments (SEOC, DEOC (S/A), Fire, Police, Electricity, NDRF& Health) for support and assistance. The Department personnel effectively conducted safe evacuation and search and rescue operations. Ambulances and fire engines quickly arrived at the simulated location to rescue and treat the injured. The teams of Resource Departments carried out Search & Rescue and provided First Aid to the victims of the mock drill. At 11.30 am, the mock drill came to an end with a debriefing session, where the Observers briefed their observations and pointed out areas that needed work. To ensure that the Department is ready for any catastrophe, resource Department officials urged all employees to improve their abilities in issuing alerts and warnings, safe evacuation protocols, search and rescue methods, and first aid. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33749-disaster-management-conducts-fourth-mock-drill-on-earthquake ================ *Peripatetic Training Programme for Clerks Concludes with Valedictory Function* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The valedictory function of five-day Peripatetic Training programme on ‘Office Procedure, Noting-Drafting, Record Management and RTI’ from Feb.17 to 21, 2025 for Head Clerks, Higher Grade Clerks and Lower Grade Clerks of Amalgamated Clerical Cadre working in various Department of A&N Administration conducted by the Administrative Reforms & Training Wing of A&N Administration in association with the Institute of Secretariat Training & Management (ISTM), Department of Personnel & Training, Govt. of India, New Delhi was held at Gallery Hall of Tagore Govt. College of Education, Sri Vijaya Puram today. Smti Shailaja, Assistant Secretary (AR & Trg.), was the chief guest on the occasion. The Institute of Secretariat Training & Management (ISTM), Department of Personnel & Training, Govt. of India, deputed Shri Biswajit Banerjee, Deputy Director, ISTM, New Delhi and Ms. Anjali Rana, Assistant Director, ISTM for imparting the training. 80 participants attended the training. Ms. P. Shilpa, LGC delivered the vote of thanks. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33748-peripatetic-training-programme-for-clerks-concludes-with-valedictory-function ================ *Island Youth and Women invited to Attend State Level Seminar on Entrepreneurship Opportunities: An Initiative by ICAR-CIARI and DASD, Kerala* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 21:* ICAR- Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram in collaboration with Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Kozhikode, Kerala and ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Plantation Crops, Kasaragod, Kerala is organizing a three days State Level Seminar on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Island Youth and Women in Spices, Arecanut and Medicinal Plants Sector” during March 5 to 7, 2025. The programme will be a knowledge sharing platform for the island stakeholders mainly youth and women in taking up entrepreneurship in various fields of spices, arecanut and medicinal plants sector. The event would have two types of sessions, viz. presentations and field visits. Presentations will be given by the experts from reputed institutes of the country on entrepreneurship options in value addition, by-product utilization, nursery management, agro-ecotourism etc. and practical visits/ demonstrations related to those options in the islands. The registration fee for the event is Rs. 200/- per participant, which should be paid at the time of online registration. Participants would be provided with registration kit, working lunch and souvenir. Brochure of the event could be downloaded from https://ciari.icar.gov.in and online registration could be done at the link https://forms.gle/UeeTLuTgHLyJp51x9 latest by February 28, 2025. Participation would be limited to maximum of 100 nos., hence registration would be on first come first serve basis. For further details, kindly contact Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist and Organizing Secretary (9933263441) or Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientist and Co-organizing Secretary (9933263442). https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33746-island-youth-and-women-invited-to-attend-state-level-seminar-on-entrepreneurship-opportunities-an-initiative-by-icar-ciari-and-dasd-kerala ================ *Tourism Department to Organise Skill Development Training on ‘Beach Life Guarding for Local Youths’* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The Tourism Department in coordination with Rashtriya Life Saving Society (RLSS) will be organizing a 7 days (40 hours) Skill Development Training Programme on ‘Beach Life Guarding for Local Youths’ in the first week of March 2025 at Sri Vijaya Puram. Application Form along with terms and condition can be downloaded from URL:https://andamantourism.gov.in/Ann_all.php. The eligibility criteria for the training is 12th pass in any discipline and the candidate must be able to swim 500 m within15 minutes. A total of 50 seats are available for the training. The criteria for selection include basic swimming mandatory, qualify skill test (100m running and 100m swimming), self-marking in 10 points scale, Medical Certificate, Indemnity Letter & Self-declaration Certificate. The selected candidates will have to deposit a fee of Rs. 3000 only in the form of DD in favour of Sr. Account Officer, IP&T Department. The last date of receipt of application is 28/02/2025. No TA/ DA or accommodation shall be provided for training programme. The filled in application form for Skill Development Training Programme on Beach Life Guarding has to be submitted to Planning Section, Directorate of IP&T on or before 28th February, 2025 by 3 pm. For queries regarding the training, one may contact Smt. Nalini K. Nair, Sr. Investigator, Directorate of IP&T, Mob. No.9434281308 & Shri Ritesh Roy, Sr. Investigator, Mob. No. 9474254613 during working hours. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33745-tourism-department-to-organise-skill-development-training-on-beach-life-guarding-for-local-youths ================= *ICPL SEASON III – Exciting Cricket Action on 21st February 2025* *Port Blair, Feb 21:* The Indian Cricket Premier League (ICPL) Season III witnessed thrilling encounters today, as teams battled fiercely for supremacy on the field. In the first match of the day, Apollo CSB Garacharma secured a narrow 3-run victory over Shahi’s Strickers Calicut. Apollo CSB Garacharma posted a competitive total of 155/4, setting a tough target. Despite a valiant effort, Shahi’s Strickers Calicut fell just short, getting all out for 152, handing Apollo CSB Garacharma a hard-fought win. The second match saw Gateway Raptors Bambooflat edge past South Point Brothers in another nail-biting contest. Gateway Raptors Bambooflat managed to score 118 runs before being bowled out, and their disciplined bowling attack restricted South Point Brothers to 112 all out, clinching a 6-run victory. The ICPL Season III continues to deliver intense cricketing action, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33744-icpl-season-iii-exciting-cricket-action-on-21st-february-2025 ================= *IGNOU 38th Convocation Registration Open till 25th February* *Sri Vijaya Pram, Feb 21:* The 38th Convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will be held on 05th March, 2025 at 11 AM. Those learners who have completed their programme of study in December- 2023 and June- 2024 Term-End Examination are advised to register themselves for obtaining the Degree/Diploma certificate and pay the requisite fee through online mode on: https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation/ or www.ignou.ac.in. The Online portal for registration and remitting the requisite fee will remain open till 25th February 2025. If a learner faces any difficulty in filling the online form, kindly contact to IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair, opposite to Air Cargo Complex, VIP Road, Junglighat P.O. Port Blair. Phone: 03192-242888 or 03192-230111, Email: [email protected]. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33743-ignou-38th-convocation-registration-open-till-25th-february =============== *Administration to Constitute Selection Committee for Juvenile Justice Board* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, addresses the needs of children in need of care and protection, as well as those in conflict with the law. It ensures their well-being through proper care, protection, development, treatment, and social reintegration. The Act adopts a child-friendly approach in legal proceedings and aims to rehabilitate children through structured processes and designated institutions. The Administration is in the process of constituting a Selection Committee for the Juvenile Justice Board and the Child Welfare Committee. In this regard, the Department of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, has invited application from representatives of reputed Non-Governmental Organizations. As per the guidelines given in the JJ (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules-2016, the NGOs working in the area of child development or child protection for a minimum period of seven years but not running or managing any children's institution have been requested to send nominations to the Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, Goalghar, Sri Vijaya Puram -744102, and ensure that it reaches the Department by 7th March, 2025, either by post, in person, or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. For any further information, one may feel free to contact 03192-244386. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33742-administration-to-constitute-selection-committee-for-juvenile-justice-board ================ *Interview for the Post of State Programme Manager at AYUSH* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 21:* The candidates, who have applied for the contractual posts of State Programme Manager, ANSAS, NAM under A&N State AYUSH Society, vide Advertisement no. 17 dtd. 17.01.2025 have been informed that the list of provisionally eligible candidates for interview have been displayed in the Notice Board of Office of DD (AYUSH), AYUSH Hospital Campus, Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram. The concerned candidates have been informed to attend the interview on 26.02.2025 at 3 pm in the Chamber of Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), Secretariat, A&N Administration with all relevant original certificates & documents on their own expenses; and no individual call letters will be sent. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33741-interview-for-the-post-of-state-programme-manager-at-ayush ================ *Remembering Boa, the Last Voice of the Aka Bo Tribe of North Andaman* In 1995, aboard the M.V. Galathia—a humble ferry connecting the South and Middle Andaman Islands—I found myself among a diverse group of passengers. The ferry, affectionately called the "line boat," stopped at several small isles on its way to Rangat. Amidst the crowd, a particular community caught my attention. Their dark complexions, curly hair, and vibrant attire set them apart as they sat together, chewing pan and conversing in an unfamiliar tongue. Among them was an elderly woman whose presence exuded a quiet dignity. There was something in her eyes—a deep well of stories waiting to be told. Though hesitant at first, I eventually approached her at Marine Jetty in Port Blair. Over time, she opened up, sharing the rich history of her tribal community—their migration, unique customs, and most poignantly, their vanishing language, Bo. As the years passed, life's demands made our meetings less frequent. But I will never forget our last encounter in 2008, at a hospital. Though age had softened her once-lively face, her gentle smile remained unchanged. She carried the burden of an entire culture within her, yet she bore it with grace. On January 26, 2010, the world lost Elder Bo Senior, the last known speaker of the Bo language. With her passing, an ancient voice was silenced forever. Linguists say that a language truly lives only when there are at least two speakers to converse in it. For Bo, that moment had passed long ago. Her name was Boa, meaning 'earth' in her ancestral tongue. She belonged to the Aka Bo tribe of North Andaman and was the last survivor of her people. She had joined the remnant Andamanese community at Strait Island in 1956, but by then, her language was already on the verge of extinction. She would often tell Dr. Anvita Abbi, the renowned linguist, that she could only converse with the birds—no one else understood her words. The Bo language did not die in 2010; it had been fading for decades. The second-last known speaker passed away sometime between the 1940s and 1950s, leaving Boa in a world where her words echoed into silence. The loss of her language was not just the disappearance of a dialect but the erasure of an entire worldview—a unique way of understanding life, nature, and history. Today, on February 21—World Mother Language Day—we remember Elder Bo Senior and reflect on the fragile beauty of our linguistic heritage. Her story serves as a solemn reminder of the many indigenous tongues quietly vanishing from our world. As we honor her memory, let us also pledge to protect and preserve the languages that still survive, for in them lies the collective soul of humanity.- *Chanchal Singha Roy* National Awardee Teacher Andaman & Nicobar Islands. *References- Dr.Anvita Abbi & Dr. Manish Chandi.* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33747-remembering-boa-the-last-voice-of-the-aka-bo-tribe-of-north-andaman ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *The Art of Pretending Normalcy..!* Wow! Haven’t we as a nation mastered the art of pretending normalcy? You know, that art of putting on a straight face and saying, "Everything's fine!" Even when our world is going up in flames? It’s like we are in a small boat in the middle of a storm, and as huge ships throw lifelines to us, we shout back that all is well. The first lifeline was thrown by a developed nation saying we ranked somewhere far behind on the Hunger Index and we shouted back, “We are okay!” The next two lifelines thrown, said we were losing our freedom of speech and there was religious persecution in the country, but we threw them back saying, “We don’t need your lines, everything is normal. There’s no water in our boat!” And our pretension of normalcy continues! Boy, do we have a masterclass in pretending normalcy right now. I mean, think about it. We've just had two of the most massive stampedes in human history – the Kumbh Mela and the Delhi railway station – and what do we get? A big, fat, whopping pretension about the number of deaths. But, hey, who needs truth when you can pretend ‘normalcy’ right? I mean, it's not like people are going to fact-check or anything. And even if they do, the death certificates allegedly reveal nothing! They might make a noise in Parliament, but we have a majority! And nobody in the country notices the giant elephant in the room. Nobody’s even noticing our leader’s hugs are not working anymore! Everybody outside sees our boat sinking, but aren’t we good at pretending it’s staying afloat? The government's got its best "nothing to see here" face on, and they're trying to project a sense of normalcy, even as facts and bodies pile up. It's like they're trying to say, "Hey, don't worry about the dead people, let's focus on the pretty lights and nice music we are giving you." Those pretty lights and nice music are the ‘religious fervour being purposefully stoked’, the renaming of roads, the ‘us versus them’ propaganda and our taxpayers money thrown into voter’s bank accounts. Meanwhile our little boat sinks. But, you know, folks, pretending normalcy only works for so long. Eventually, the facade cracks, and the truth comes tumbling out. And when that happens, watch out. Because, let me tell you, the backlash is going to be epic. So, go ahead, keep pretending like everything's fine. Keep putting on that straight face, and keep telling us that nothing's wrong. But, deep down, we all know the truth. And, eventually, that truth is going to come to light. Until then, let's just sit back, relax, and enjoy the boat ride. Laugh at the waves, touch the water filling the boat, and keep believing you are having the time of your life in a Five-Star jacuzzi..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33740-the-art-of-pretending-normalcy =================