Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 7: The 53rd batch of foresters successfully completed their training at the Forest Training Institute (FTI), Wimberlygunj, with a passing out ceremony held in the presence of senior forest officials.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Kumar Sinha attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Chief Conservator of Forests (R&WP) and Chairperson of FTI S. Dinesh Kannan was present as guest of honour. The event marked the formal induction of trained personnel into forestry service following the completion of their training programme.
The ceremony commenced with a Guard of Honour, followed by an invocation and lamp lighting. Raju Rathour delivered the welcome address, highlighting the importance of discipline and integrity in forestry services. Ajit V. John, Director of FTI, presented the annual report, detailing the performance and achievements of the trainees during their course.
During the programme, Subham Halder secured the first rank with 82.68 percent and was awarded the Gold Medal for Overall Excellence. The Pipping Ceremony was conducted as part of the event, marking the formal transition of trainees into their professional roles.
The oath of service was administered by the chief guest, who emphasised the responsibilities associated with the role, including maintaining integrity and commitment to duty. In his address, he underscored the critical role of foresters in conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable management of forest resources in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The guest of honour acknowledged the standards of training at the institute and called upon the newly inducted foresters to discharge their responsibilities with dedication. The programme highlighted the role of trained personnel in strengthening conservation efforts in ecologically sensitive regions.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vijay Kishan, Range Officer.
The passing out ceremony marks the culmination of structured training at FTI Wimberlygunj, preparing the new batch of foresters to take on responsibilities in forest protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management across the Islands.
