New Delhi: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah today inaugurated and laid foundation stones of various development projects from theNetajiSubhas Chandra Bose Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.Shri Amit Shah also conducted an aerial survey of Rani LaxmibaiDweep, ShaheedDweep Eco Tourism Project, SwarajDweep Water Aerodrome and other development projects. Several dignitaries including the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral (Retd) DK Joshi and the Union Home Secretary were also present on the occasion.

Shri Amit Shah in his address on the occasion said that he is very thrilled to be here and it is natural because for the years that we fought against the British to liberate the country, its full Swaraj may have been achieved in 1947, but in 1943NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose had freed this part of India from the clutches of the British for two years. He said that for patriots across the country, especially the younger generation, this should become a very important place, because it was here for the first time that Netaji had spent two nights and it was here for the first time that Netaji had hoisted the Tricolor.

The Union Home Minister said that we are celebrating the AmritMahotsav of Azadi across the country and through the celebrations we want to inculcate the feeling of patriotism among the youth and on the basis of this they should engagedin building a new and great India and the dream that Modiji has. We have seen that India should get its rightful place by becoming great in the world, our younger generation should move forward in that direction.

Shri Amit Shah said that Andaman and Nicobar in itself is a place of the Freedom Movement and our youth should know, understand and see the sufferings of those who were punished in the Island, which was known asKalapani.The younger generation will see this cellular jail, where Veer Savarkar lived for ten years, Bhai Parmanand lived, Sanyal lived, and then they will know how much they sacrificed for a free India in which we live today. He said that until someone visits the Cellular Jail and sees the depiction and description of the tortures, one cannot imagine that even after suffering so much of torture, our Freedom Fighters continued to fight for freedom.

The Union Home Minister said that there is a feeling of inspiration as soon as one visits this place during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and even today the message of Veer Savarkar and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose mingles in the air here. He requested the youth from across the country to visit Andaman and Nicobar once and definitely visit this pilgrimage site of the Freedom Struggle.Shri Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has named three islands here as Shaheed, Swaraj and Subhash, so that the coming generations can be inspired that now that the country has attained Independence they can be inspired by Martyrs such as Netaji, Veer Savarkar and many other unknown and unknown martyrs. The responsibility of making the India of our dreams lies with the younger generation.He said that we do not have the chance to fight for freedom, but no one can snatch our chance to live for the country and if we want to dedicate our life for the development, progress and glory of India, then no one can stop us.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Amrit Mahotsav of Freedom is being celebratedwhen we are also celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose. It is during this year that I have come here, where on 30th December 1943, Subhash Babu, breathing the free air of a free India, unfurled the Tricolor. He said that learning from Netaji and his life, it is felt that injustice has been done to Netaji. The bright pole star in the history of the Freedom Movement, Netaji did not receive as much importance as he should have. For years, attempts were made to downplay many well-known leaders of the Independence Movement and their contributions.But now the time has come that everyone should find their proper place in history, those who contributed and sacrificed their lives, they should find their proud place in history, and that is why Prime Minister Modi decided to name this island after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that similar injustice has been done to Sardar Patel. The Indian Republic today would not have been possible if Sardar Patel had not made more than 550 princely states a part of India in less than a year and a half. The British did what they had to do by freeing everyone, but Sardar Patel completed the task of bringing all the princely states within the Indian Union and creating a strong India. Sardar Saheb also did not receive the same respect as he should have received after Independence. But history repeats itself, no matter how much injustice is done to anyone, good work is never hidden and today in Kevadia, the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Saheb has been installed by Narendra Modi, which people from all over the world come to see.

Shri Amit Shah said that SubhashBabu and Sardar Patel were two such personalities of the Freedom Movement. Today, the whole country should remember Subhash Babu with respect, and that is why Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of 75years of Independence has made the place where Subhash Babu had hoisted the flag, as a huge tourist destination by placing a very big Tricolor and has also made it into acenter for the awakening of patriotism.In the coming days, we are going to develop this island too and will build a grand memorial for Subhash Babu. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had also announced that Subhash Babu’s birthday on 23 January will be celebrated as Parakram Diwas and governments across the states and the Central Government are celebrating Parakram Diwas.

The Union Home Minister said that Subhash Babu was a brilliant student who became an ICS officer and becoming an ICS officer in those days meant ensuring luxuries, but SubhashBabu had studied with a different purpose.He did not pass the ICS exam to work under the British, but instead had become an ICS officer for uprooting the British and throwing them out. He did not accept the job of the British even after topping the ICS examination, entered politics, became the Mayor of Calcutta, twice became the Congress President, then there were differences in the strategy of the Congress, left the Congress and formed the Forward Bloc and became a part of the FfreedomMovement and began a new chapter. SubhashBabu was under house arrest in Calcutta during the World War II, but slipped from under British watch, and from there a journey called the Great Escape began. From Calcutta to Peshawar, Peshawar to Moscow and from there to Berlin, SubhashBabutraveled 7,275 kms by car. The fire and flame of patriotism was lit, and the desire to achieveSwaraj, made him reach Berlin after evading the British. SubhashBabu made a submarine journey of 27,000 km from Germany to Indonesia, from there to Japan and then to Singapore. The Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) was formed in an effort to achieve Independence, radio stations were started and Independent India was established by the Indian National Army on this island.It was recognized by the Government of Japan.He tried to achieve freedom through such a big struggle against the British, under whose rule the Sun never set. Can we forget those efforts of SubhashBabu, can we give second level status to the patriotism of SubhashBabu, should he not have a proud place in the history of Independence, should generations to come not be inspired by his personality for thousands of years, thus preserving his memory in a proud manner and should we not placeSubhashBabubefore the country and the world? Now the time has come, to give SubhashBabu his rightful place in the country.The decision taken by Shri NarendraModito celebrate Subhash Chandra Bose’s birthday as ParakramDiwas, to celebrate SubhashBabu by hoisting the Tricolor at the same place, where he hoisted it first are such efforts. Also to to pay tribute to his workby naming this island after him as the Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep  so that his name is cherished for ages, so that many generations to come will not forget SubhashBabu.

Shri Amit Shah said hat today another important task is being done during the AzadiKaAmritMahotsav. He said that Manipur had a significant contribution in resisting the British in the entire Northeast during the 1857 Revolution and also in 1891. Manipur never gave up and the people there continued to fight. Manipur was the only state that had implemented its own constitution. The Union Home Minister said that though Manipur was under British occupation for a long time, the Freedom Fighters of Manipur always fought the British tooth and nail in battle. Manipuri war hero YuvrajTikendrajit and General Thangal were publicly hanged in Fida, Imphal. The British thought that  by hanging them, they had crushed the Freedom Movement, but it did not happen. After that Maharaja KulchandraDhwaja Singh and 22 freedom fighters were sent to Kala Pani and they were kept here on Mount Harriet, an island. The Union Home Minister said that today in his memory, we would like to honor his contribution by naming Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur. Shri Shah said that the Manipur government also wants to build a memorial here, this memorial will inspire tourists, the youth and the younger generation across the country on how to fight with limited resources. They still fought a battle in which defeat was certain and it was also certain that either the death penalty or the punishment of Kala Pani would be handed out.Those who died and those who survived came here and were imprisoned. Shri Amit Shah said that it is this spirit of freedom that has given us a free India and we can never forget them. The Union Home Minister said that Prime Minister NarendraModi has always worked to honour those who fought for the country. When the Modi government came to power in 2014, for years our three Armed Forces were demandingOne Rank One Pension, but no government had fulfilled this demand. The NarendraModi government fulfilled the demand of One Rank One Pension in one stroke. He said that it was not a question of money, but a question of the  beliefthat the government of the country should worry about the one who cares for the country. Those who spend the best years of their life in minus 43 degrees celsius to 43 degrees celsius temperatures on the borders, those who live near rivers and face the winds, their families know that their sons, husbands or fathers protect the country. So the country also cares for them. Shri NarendraModihas given shape to this sentiment.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that 14 projects worth Rs 299 crore and foundation stones of 12 projects worth Rs 643 crore have been inaugurated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands today. The Modi government is beginning development work of about Rs 1,000 crore in a small area of Andaman Islands today. Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has decided to name the bridge which was inaugurated today as Azad Hind Fauj Bridge. He said that every person passing through this bridge would go from one end to the other paying homage to Netaji’s 35,000 kms journey, his courage and his valour. Shri Shah said that the work done for water supply, sanitation and health, these three are important things related to health. It is very important to have good and pure water, sanitation, health care and health tests. Shri Amit Shah said that a new facility has been started here for heart patients, in which angioplasty can also be done and pacemakers can also be installed. Along with this, an AYUSH hospital has also been built here and 49 Wellness Centers cum help Centers have been set up. He said that this need was not fulfilled for 75 years, and he is very happy that the NarendraModi government is going to fulfillthem today.Shri Amit Shah said that I have also come today after conducting an aerial survey and have made some decisionsand they would be announced after administrative decisions are taken care of.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that the Andaman and Nicobar Lighthouse is a great pilgrimage for freedom lovers and now that it should become a place of pilgrimage for the younger generation, we have decided and resolved to provide excellent facilities here. He said that we will build a memorial for Subhash Babu in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands so thathe country remembers the glory and valour of Subhash Babu for ages to come.

In the run-up to the 7th IDY which falls on 21st June 2021, the UT Administration has decided to take forward the momentum created by International Day of Yoga observations inpreceding years. The UT administration is keen on involving people from all walks of life in this year’s activities. The UT’s action plan for the 7th IDY is already finalised, and is in line with the activities organized during the previous year. All IDY activities will be held in a Covid-19 compliant manner.

Mass Yoga Demonstrations will be organized at the prominent locations based on Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). Suitable Panchayat Halls, Community Halls, School Halls etc. will be utilised as per feasibility.The prevailing COVID-19 Guidelines of GoIwill be strictly followed in all the three District of the UT. The events at each location may be overseen by the Senior Level Officers i.e. Secretary/ HOD/ other suitable officers of the UT Administration in collaboration with the line departments. Yoga experts will be invited to guide the participants.

It has been decided that awareness activities will be taken up at least for a month prior to IDY-2021 across the UT for mobilizing increased public participation in the 7thIDY subject to prevailing Covid-19 Guidelines. These proposed activities include:

Awareness/ Yoga Rally
Drawing/ Elocution/ Essay/ Speech/ Poster Competition for School/ College Students and General Public
Seminars/ Workshops on Yoga.
Musical and Cultural programme on yoga.
Mini Exhibition on Yoga.
Yoga Awareness/ Multidisciplinary Health Camp.
Awareness programme on Yoga for school students.
Health Talk on Yoga etc.

It is expected that these systematic efforts will lead to Yoga finding an enduring place in the public health sphere in the islands. Further, the increasing public interest arising out of IDY is expected to add to the Yoga infrastructure in Andaman-Nicobar islands, and give a fillip to Yoga Tourism also.

Many eminent personalities namely Anooja Kapoor , Lehar Sethi, Vinod Malhotra, Vikram Kochar , Rajat Shrivastava , Praful ji from Cancer Bhagao etc. have confirmed their graceful presence for the event.

Team PARI (People Against Rapes in India) are proud to be the organising partner for the event titled “Men For Women’s Safety” under the exemplary leadership of Yogita Bhayana, founder of PARI and a renowned social activist always strongly advocating for gender equality.

Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar, Kuldeep Rai Sharma said, “People always talk about women’s safety, but somewhere they fall behind on various issues. We always aware women about safety in the event/program or any activities. But it’s necessary for real safety of women, men should be aware about safety. So, I decided to start a campaign for Men for Women safety. So no one can stop a woman from moving forward. Events intend for all the men present on the occasion to take a pledge to respect, empower and protect women. We wish to spread awareness amongst them on the topics such as gender equality, gender sensitization, safety, respect and dignity for women etc.

Female lawyer Anooja Kapoor said, “For the safety of women, you have to start from your home. Your children understood the way the environment was created. I have two sons, they understand the importance of everything. They do not think that they are men. They do all the household chores. This initiative was very important, I thank Kuldeep Rai ji

Yogita Bhayana, Founder, Pari said “We declared Haiderpur district as a rape free zone on the occasion of Women’s Day this year and organized a daylong program to make women aware of it. We found that women as well as men we also want to join with us, so we envisioned a campaign that would not only make men aware of women subjects but also add their presence in a series and inspire them to work. Special thanks to Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma Ji, for the unique concept.

Port Blair: Andaman and Nicobar Lt. Governor Admiral D K Joshi hoists the National Flag at Netaji Stadium, Port Blair today on the occasion of Republic Day.

New Delhi: Andaman and Nicobar Command has accomplished yet another milestone by conducting the first ever Tri-Services Para Jumping and Freefall skydiving training course at Air Force Station Car Nicobar. The course was conducted by the Indian Air Force which trains personnel of Indian Armed Forces.

During the Joint para jumping and skydiving course with participants from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, a total of 267 jumps were undertaken within a short span of 04 days and a total of 31 persons qualified the basic and advanced course. The participants of basic course earned Para Wing. The training course was a great success and of historic significance for the Command to wars enhancing the jointmanship and operational capability.

New Delhi: In line with the nationwide launch of the largest vaccination campaign in the world against the COVID-19 pandemic, the first phase of the vaccination drive commenced for Health Care Workers (HCWs) of the Tri-Services Command on 19 Jan 21 at INHS Dhanvantari under the aegis of Headquarters, Andaman & Nicobar Command. All Front Line Workers (FLWs) of the Command will be vaccinated subsequently in a phased manner. A total of 370 doses of the vaccine for the first phase have been received from the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman & Nicobar Administration. HCWs, nodal officers and vaccinators of various units of the Command have also been imparted training in the procedure of vaccination by the A&N Administration and representatives of WHO at Port Blair. The vaccination drive was inaugurated by Lt Gen Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).

While addressing personnel at the ceremony, the CINCAN lauded the commendable efforts put in by the HCWs in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the Islands. He said that the vaccination drive will not only ensure the availability of a ‘Fighting-Fit’ and ‘Operation-Ready’ Command but will also contribute to the global effort towards controlling and erasing the pandemic. He urged personnel not to believe in rumors surrounding the vaccine and trust the experts in the field. He also emphasized on the need to continue COVID-19 appropriate behaviors even after the vaccination.

Senior Health Officer and 36 HCWs were vaccinated as per protocol with all precautionary measures and COVID-19 appropriate norms being strictly adhered to. In the following few days, the remaining doses will be administered to other HCWs, including those in the outlying units in the Northern and Southern Group of Islands in a phased manner.

With the launch of the vaccine programme in the Command, the Armed Forces have joined the A&N Administration in the final phase of the fight against the pandemic.

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today released a book titled “Ahsasan Hunde Sheeshe Khane” (the glass houses of sensibilities) – a Poetry collection by Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Member, Central Waqf Council, and Chairperson, Waqf Development Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
The Lt Governor appreciated Dr. Andrabi for carrying the reflection of the tradition of spirituality, intellectual richness of the land and raising important social issues through her poetry.
Folk literature reflects the cultural aesthetics of any region which needs to be preserved and promoted, the Lt Governor observed. He also suggested Dr. Andrabi to translate the book in other languages as well so that it can reach to the wider population
It was informed that the book is the third Kashmiri poetry collection and overall the tenth published book of Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi which has been dedicated to the iconic spiritual saint-poetess of Kashmiri, Lalleshwari popularly known as Lal-Ded. This book is foreworded by famous literary critic and iconic literary historian of Kashmir, Sh. Avatar Krishen Rehbar. It is a collection of ghazals, nazams, dohas, four-line and three line new genres of poetic expression introduced by Dr.Andrabi in Kashmiri. Being linked to the rich past of the land of Rishis, her poetry also carries the essence of the Kashmir of Lalleshwari & Nunda Rishi. Dr. Andrabi’s selected poetry has been translated into many Indian languages.
Sh. Vibod Gupta, former MLC, besides Intellectuals & Eminent Scholars- Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Sh. Parvez Manoos, Sh. Ghulam Nabi Kumar, Sh. Mohammad Aqeel and Sh. Satish Vimal were present on the occasion.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched and dedicated to the nation, the submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Andaman & Nicobar Islands to the mainland through video conferencing. The foundation stone for this project was laid by the PM on 30th December 2018 at Port Blair.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said the connectivity would now enable endless opportunities in the islands. He said the laying of the 2300 Kms submarine cable and completing it before the set target is very praise worthy.

The Prime Minister said that the service had begun today on a major chunk of the islands from Chennai to Port Blair, Port Blair to Little Andaman and Port Blair to Swaraj Island.

The Prime Minister admired the laying of cables for about 2300 kilometers under the sea as surveying in the deep sea, maintaining the quality of the cable and laying of the cable with specialised vessels is not an easy task. The project also had to overcome challenges such as high waves, storms and monsoons and the tough times owing to Corona Pandemic.

The Prime Minister said the Andaman & Nicobar Islands felt the need for years but no steps were taken to fulfil it. Shri Modi expressed his happiness for being able to deliver the project notwithstanding such major challenges.

The Prime Minister said providing better and cheap connectivity to the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the responsibility of the country. He congratulated all those who were associated with the project. Shri Modi said the Submarine Cable is one such effort to prove that A & N Islands are not far away from Delhi and from the Hearts of the Mainland.

Ease of Living to every Citizen

Shri Modi said that the Government is committed to provide modern facilities to every citizen and every sector so that there can be a better ease of living. He said this Optical Fibre Project which links A&N Islands with the rest of the country is an example of the commitment of the Government towards ease of living. He said the Government is committed to the speedy development of national security linked border areas and island states.

Increase Opportunities through Digital India

The Prime Minister said the Submarine Cable will help A&N in getting cheaper & better connectivity and all the benefits of Digital India, especially in improving online education, tele-medicine, banking system, online trading and in boosting tourism.

PM said that the Indian Ocean has been the center of India’s trade and strategic prowess for thousands of years and that Andaman & Nicobar is an important centre for India’s Economic-Strategic Cooperation.

He said all the Islands of India would be playing an important role under India’s new trade strategy for Indo-Pacific region.

Shri Modi said under the Act-East policy, the role of Andaman and Nicobar in India’s strong relations with East Asian countries and other countries connected to the sea is very high and is going to increase.

He said that the Island Development Agency was formed 3 years ago to strengthen its role. He said that the projects which were not completed in Andaman and Nicobar for years, are now rapidly getting completed.

High Impact Projects & Better Land, Air and Water Ways

PM said that High Impact Projects are being expanded in 12 islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Apart from providing for better internet & mobile connectivity, he said the effort is to further improve physical connectivity through road, air and water.

The Prime Minister referred to the work on two major bridges and the NH-4 in order to improve the road connectivity of North and Middle Andaman.

He said the Port Blair Airport is being enhanced to handle a Capacity of 1200 passengers.Along with this the airports are ready for operations in Diglipur, Car Nicobar and Campbell – Bay.

Shri Modi said the Passenger Terminal in Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Long Island along with Water Aerodrom Infrastructure like Floating Jetty will be ready in the coming months.

He said that the 4 Ships being built at Kochi Shipyard shall be delivered soon to improve the Water connectivity between the islands and the mainland.

Port Led Development

He said Andaman & Nicobar will be developed as an hub of Port Led Development as it is at a Competitive Distance from many ports of the World.

Prime Minister said a country which has better network of ports and their connectivity will be able to provide a boost to trade in the 21st Century.

He said that today, when India is moving forward with the resolve of self-sufficiency and is establishing itself as an important player in the Global Supply and Value Chain, it is very important to strengthen our network of Waterways and our Ports. Shri Modi said that the legal bottlenecks in the development of Port Infrastructure are also being removed continuously.

International Maritime Trade

PM said that the Government’s focus is also on promoting Ease of Business in the sea and simplifying Maritime Logistics. He referred to the speedy construction of the deep draft inner harbor and the proposal to construct TransShipment Port in Great Nicobar at an estimated cost of about Rs 10 thousand crores. Shri Modi said this would enable big ships to anchor and would increase India’s share in maritime trade, along with new employment opportunities.

He said that the blue economy like Fisheries, Aquaculture and SeaWeed farming in the island will accelerate in commensurate with the modern infrastructure being developed in Andaman and Nicobar. He wished that the efforts of the Government will give Andaman and Nicobar, not only new facilities but also as a prominent place on the World Tourist Map.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and dedicate to the Nation through video conferencing the submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai and Port Blair on 10th August, 2020. The submarine cable will also connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island, and Rangat. This connectivity will enable delivery of faster and more reliable mobile and landline telecom services to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, at par with other parts of India. The foundation stone for this project was laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 30th December 2018 at Port Blair.

Once inaugurated, the submarine OFC link will deliver bandwidth of 2 x 200 Gigabits per second (Gbps) between Chennai and Port Blair, and 2 x 100 Gbps between Port Blair and the other islands. Provision of reliable, robust, and high-speed telecom and Broadband facilities in these Islands will be a landmark achievement from the viewpoint of consumers, as well as for strategic and governance reasons. 4G mobile services, which were constrained due to limited backhaul bandwidth provided via satellite will also see a major improvement.

Enhanced telecom and Broadband connectivity will boost tourism and employment generation in the Islands, give an impetus to the economy and raise standards of living. Better connectivity will also facilitate delivery of e-Governance services such as telemedicine and tele-education. Small enterprises will benefit from opportunities in e-commerce, while educational institutions will utilize the enhanced availability of bandwidth for e-learning and knowledge sharing. Business Process Outsourcing services and other medium and large enterprises will also reap the benefits of better connectivity.

The project is funded by the Government of India through the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) executed this project while Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) are the Technical Consultants. About 2300 Kms of Submarine OFC cable has been laid at a cost of about Rs 1224 Crore, and the project has been completed in time.