Sri Vijaya Puram | February 19, 2026
The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, is showcasing over seven decades of research at the ongoing Andaman and Nicobar Book Fair at ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram. The nine-day fair, being held from February 14 to 22, features a dedicated stall (No. 13) set up by the regional centre, highlighting its extensive anthropological work in the islands since 1951.
The stall presents a comprehensive display of publications, archival material and research exhibits, reflecting the institution’s sustained efforts to document, preserve and promote the rich cultural and biological heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As one of the few government institutions in the world devoted exclusively to anthropological research, the regional centre continues to play a pivotal role in advancing academic study and public awareness of the islands’ unique communities and environments.
The stall attracted distinguished visitors during the fair, including the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration and other senior officers. The dignitaries interacted with researchers and staff members and examined the exhibits and publications on display. Appreciating the initiative, the Chief Secretary commended the centre’s dedication to preserving the islands’ cultural legacy and bringing anthropological research into the public domain. The effort to present decades of scholarly work at a community platform like the book fair was widely lauded as a meaningful step towards strengthening public engagement and awareness.
The publications displayed at the stall are the outcome of years of detailed fieldwork and research, covering subjects such as tribal demography, folklore, material culture, the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, and human adaptation to island ecosystems. These works serve as valuable resources for students and researchers, while also offering general readers an opportunity to better understand the social and cultural fabric of the islands. Among the highlights is the coffee table book “People of Andaman & Nicobar Islands,” which is available for purchase at the stall.
Marking World Anthropology Day, observed on February 19 this year, the regional centre has invited the public to visit both the book fair stall and the Zonal Anthropological Museum at Middle Point. Officials emphasized that while World Anthropology Day provides a special occasion for celebration, anthropology in the islands is a continuous endeavour — sustained through ongoing research, documentation and public service.
Through its participation in the book fair, the Anthropological Survey of India aims to inspire greater cultural awareness, nurture future scholars and promote informed citizenship rooted in an understanding of the islands’ diverse heritage.
