Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 29 December 2023
E S Rajesh, the Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti Campbell Bay, has raised objections regarding the “step-motherly treatment” by the A & N Administration towards the residents of Great Nicobar in the ongoing Island Tourism Festival (ITF) program.
Expressing his discontent, Mr. Rajesh highlighted the absence of performances by reputed mainland artists in Great Nicobar, while these artists have been actively engaging audiences across various locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, from Diglipur to Little Andaman.
He reminisced about the pre-COVID times when, during the ITF, mainland artists would visit Great Nicobar annually to perform for the local population. However, he noted with concern that this year, for unspecified reasons, the Administration has seemingly neglected Great Nicobar by not deputing any mainland artists to participate in the program.
Mr. Rajesh emphasised that previously, mainland artists were even transported to Great Nicobar via helicopter for their convenience, underscoring the significance attributed to their performances.
Speaking about the broader impact, he highlighted that these artists do more than simply present entertaining programs; they serve as inspirational figures for local youth, encouraging them to delve into various dance forms and music genres.
Citing the scarcity of entertainment options in remote areas like Great Nicobar, Mr. Rajesh stressed the importance of events like the ITF in providing much-needed relief and an opportunity for residents to enjoy live entertainment.
He urged the responsible authorities within the Administration to rectify this omission by deputing top-tier mainland artists to Great Nicobar for the ongoing ITF program, emphasising the significance of their performances for the community.