Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas was marked with a vibrant celebration at Edward Kutchat Park in Car Nicobar yesterday, bringing together cultural performances, community welfare initiatives, and tributes to tribal heritage. The event formed part of nationwide observances honouring the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary was commemorated with a solemn ceremony led by senior officials and community leaders.
The programme opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a floral tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The ceremony was led by the chief guest, Superintendent of Police Shri Rahul L. Nair, IPS, and guest of honour, Shri Lionald Nicomed, CTC Car Nicobar. The event was held under the supervision of Dr. Naveen Kumar, AC (HQ), Car Nicobar, with Heads of Departments from across Car Nicobar present to pay their respects and mark the occasion with due reverence.
Cultural presentations formed a major highlight of the celebration, with the Education Department, Car Nicobar, staging traditional folk songs and energetic tribal dances that depicted the island’s rich heritage. The chief guest commended the Department for the high standard of performances and for showcasing the depth of Nicobari cultural traditions to the community.
As part of a wide-ranging focus on welfare and sustainable livelihood promotion, multiple departments conducted community outreach and distribution drives. The Agriculture Department distributed vegetable seed kits to local farmers, facilitated by the chief guest. To support income-generating activities among tribal households, the Veterinary Department distributed duck chicks, an effort led by the guest of honour.
The Health Department conducted a comprehensive medical camp offering essential services including vision and dental check-ups, nutrition counselling, ABHA ID generation, and screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Health officials reported strong participation from the local community, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare services during major public events.
Alongside these initiatives, the Administration launched a three-day public grievance redressal programme under “Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore,” beginning on November 15. The Electricity Department organised a special camp promoting the RESCO model Surya Ghar scheme. Participants received detailed briefings and were able to complete on-the-spot registrations. The scheme is being implemented free of cost for AAY and BPL families, with a focus on improving access to clean energy solutions.
Agricultural and fisheries development bodies were also active during the event. CIARI, Car Nicobar, set up a Tribal Farmer Market showcasing fresh vegetables and locally grown produce. Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department conducted awareness activities and displayed traditional fishing tools, reinforcing the cultural and economic significance of the sector within the Nicobari community.
The Child Development Project Office (CDPO) organised an awareness programme on Anganwadi nutrition meals, featuring both raw materials and cooked items used to support child health and early development. The session also included awareness on key social welfare schemes such as Old Age Pension, Disability Pension, and Widow Pension, aimed at improving uptake among eligible community members.
The 2025 celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas brought together cultural homage, administrative outreach, and social welfare initiatives in a comprehensive programme that reflected both respect for tribal identity and commitment to community development. Through cultural performances, tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and several livelihood and welfare-driven activities, the event emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs of the Nicobari community.
