Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 11 March 2025
The Department of Fisheries, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, marked International Women’s Day with a special celebration at the Fish Landing Centre, Junglighat, and the Directorate of Fisheries. The event, themed ‘She Builds BHARAT,’ aimed to recognise and honour the contributions of fisherwomen to society.
Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Ms. E. Lolaxmi, a senior fisherwoman, was the guest of honour. The event was attended by Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), Ms. V. Sheeja, Deputy Director (Fisheries), Dr. Lina from ANIIMS, Ms. Sampa Banerjee, President of Dayitvabodh NGO, and representatives from the fishing community, along with a large gathering of fisherwomen from various villages.
The dignitaries felicitated the fisherwomen, acknowledging their significant role in society and presented them with dietary kits. In her address, the Director of Fisheries praised the efforts of fisherwomen, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperatives in promoting nutritional diets through fish and fishery products. She also highlighted the importance of male fishermen in raising community concerns, enabling the department to address and resolve issues effectively.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of ‘Andaman Fish Pickle,’ a women-led cooperative initiative under the brand Shivesh Sea Food in collaboration with Dhanalaxmi Women Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd. The initiative aims to enhance value addition in fish products and support women’s entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
Speeches were delivered by the Joint Director (Fisheries), Ms. V. Sheeja, Deputy Director (Fisheries), and Dr. Lina from ANIIMS, emphasising the importance of women’s participation in the fisheries sector and their empowerment.
As part of the celebrations, the NGO Dayitva Bodh, Junglighat, in association with the Department of Fisheries, organised a free medical camp with ANIIMS to provide health checkups for fisherwomen. The camp focused on screening for chronic diseases, maternal and child health, and general well-being. Ms. Sampa Banerjee, President of Dayitvabodh NGO, commended the department’s efforts in training women in fish value addition and seafood processing.
The celebrations concluded with a felicitation ceremony for the women employees of the Department of Fisheries at a simple yet meaningful function held at the Directorate of Fisheries.