Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma on Sunday highlighted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ strategic importance, rich cultural diversity, freedom struggle legacy and development potential, calling for a collective commitment to make the archipelago self-reliant and contribute to the vision of a developed India.
In his Foundation Day message on November 1, Dr. Sharma extended his greetings to the islanders and described the occasion as a symbol of pride, celebration and national unity. He said the islands became a Union Territory with the implementation of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
“Today is a sacred day, November 1. It is a symbol of pride, celebration and national unity for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasising the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, he said the Foundation Day provided an opportunity to deepen mutual respect and understanding of the languages, cultures, traditions and histories of different regions of the country, particularly its Union Territories.
Describing the archipelago as a distinctive part of India’s natural and strategic landscape, Dr. Sharma said its evergreen forests, clean seas, coral reefs and unique biodiversity had earned it recognition across the world. He also underlined its strategic significance, describing the islands as a sentinel guarding India’s eastern gateway.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to balance development with environmental conservation and respect the culture, traditions and autonomy of indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Shompen, Nicobarese and Sentinelese.
“Our responsibility is to maintain a balance between development and the environment, respect the culture, traditions and autonomy of our tribal communities, and protect our natural heritage,” he said.
Cellular Jail remains a symbol of sacrifice
Recalling the islands’ contribution to India’s freedom struggle, Dr. Sharma said their history bore testimony to the courage and sacrifices of freedom fighters who endured immense suffering under British rule.
The Cellular Jail, once associated with the dreaded punishment of Kala Pani, remains a reminder of the determination of revolutionaries who refused to abandon their commitment to the country’s independence despite inhuman torture, he said.
“The sacrifice of Veer Savarkar and numerous other revolutionaries will always inspire us towards national service,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also recalled Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s historic visit to the islands and the unfurling of the Tricolour at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, describing the event as a source of renewed inspiration for the freedom movement.
Dr. Sharma urged citizens to visit the Cellular Jail and understand the true value of freedom. He said the historical renaming of places associated with the archipelago also reflected India’s national consciousness and its glorious heritage.
‘Mini India’ reflects unity in diversity
Highlighting the islands’ multicultural character, the Lieutenant Governor described the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as “Mini India”, where people from different parts of the country live together in harmony despite differences in language, religion and cultural practices.
Festivals such as Durga Puja, Pongal, Onam, Christmas and Eid, he said, exemplified the region’s social cohesion and cultural diversity.
He also recalled the devastating tsunami of 2004, noting that the people had rebuilt their lives through courage, unity and determination in the aftermath of the disaster.
Islands emerging as a gateway to development
Dr. Sharma said the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, had transformed the country’s outlook towards the islands.
“Today, our islands are no longer the remote end of the country; they are regarded as the gateway to India’s development journey,” he said.
He pointed to improvements in air and sea connectivity, modern infrastructure, tourism and development initiatives as creating new opportunities for the archipelago. The growing number of domestic and international tourists, he added, was opening up fresh avenues for economic activity.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted emerging opportunities for young people in livelihood generation and self-employment, expressing confidence that the islands would play an active role in realising the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India.
Concluding his message, Dr. Sharma extended his wishes to all residents on the Foundation Day and called for unity, harmony, mutual respect and sustainable development.
“Let us collectively resolve to make these islands self-reliant and place them at the forefront of the journey towards a developed India,” he said.
