Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 July 2025
In a spirited celebration of girl child empowerment through sports, the Deputy Education Office, South Andaman, recently organized a vibrant Rope Skipping Demonstration along Marina Park Road under the guidance of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration. The event witnessed the participation of over 850 students from various schools, turning the venue into a lively arena of synchronized movements and boundless enthusiasm.
Organised as part of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative, the event focused on empowering girl students from Sri Vijaya Puram Headquarter area by encouraging their participation in sports. A standout feature of the programme was the participation of girl children with special needs, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and showcasing that talent knows no boundaries.
The event was graced by Ms. Sindhu Pillai, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who delivered an inspiring address to the students. She urged the girls to actively engage in sports, develop a reading habit, and focus on academics. She also announced that the Police and Education Departments will soon launch a Self-Defense Training Program for girl students, aimed at equipping them with essential life skills and self-confidence.
The occasion received widespread appreciation from parents, educators, and the public, who lauded the Education Department for its efforts to promote physical fitness, holistic education, and women empowerment across the islands.
As a mark of recognition and motivation, three celebrated women athletes from the islands—Ms. Suchitra Rani Mondal, Ms. Abha Manjula, and Ms. Shrimati Bishnoi—were felicitated during the event. Their contributions at the national and international levels served as a beacon of inspiration for the young girls in attendance.
Given the frequent rainfall that disrupts outdoor activities in the islands, the Department of Education is working to popularize rope skipping as a weather-resilient fitness activity. With its minimal infrastructure requirements and adaptability to indoor environments, rope skipping is being promoted as an ideal way to keep students active and healthy year-round.
