Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 September 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands took center stage at the renowned India Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi to share insights into the captivating world of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event, hosted by IHC, served as a platform to highlight the islands’ rich culture and address the pressing issues faced by this breathtaking region known for its natural beauty and vibrant communities.
India Habitat Centre, a bastion for promoting environmental consciousness and fostering cultural and social development, provided the perfect backdrop for this engaging discourse. The mission of IHC encompasses a holistic approach to problem-solving, covering areas such as environmental and regional planning, energy efficiency, appropriate technology options, transport and communication, lifestyle choices, socio-cultural linkages, and information technology.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma’s impassioned speech effortlessly drew the audience into the heart of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He commenced his address with a vivid portrayal of the islands’ indigenous communities, including the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa, and Sentinelese, celebrating their traditions of honesty and simplicity, leaving the audience spellbound.
The MP’s eloquent description of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, replete with lush green forests, vibrant nature, and teeming marine life, resonated with poetry and reverence, captivating attendees.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma then highlighted the islands’ critical need for enhanced healthcare facilities. He shed light on the hardships faced by islanders, who must journey over 1200 kilometres to Chennai for specialised medical care. The audience responded with empathy and rallied behind the MP’s call for the establishment of a super-specialty hospital.
Proudly, the MP announced the islands’ literacy rate of 86%, surpassing the national average of 77%. The audience extended their congratulations to the island’s residents and voiced their support for the establishment of more engineering and medical colleges to further elevate educational standards.
Turning attention to the flourishing fishery industry, Mr. Sharma acknowledged the necessity for modernisation and increased production. He stressed the importance of transitioning from coconut farming to value-added fisheries to unlock export potential and enhance local prosperity.
Furthermore, the MP underscored the significance of creating a textile hub in the islands, positioning it to compete with neighbouring textile industries by capitalising on the abundance of raw materials available from mainland India.
The discourse’s spotlight then shifted to tourism, with the audience endorsing the MP’s call for more affordable airfares to boost tourism to the islands.
In conclusion, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma left a deep impression on the audience with his unwavering commitment to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He assured all present that he would continue to bridge the gap between the islands and mainland India, bringing the region’s unique culture, challenges, and opportunities closer to the nation’s consciousness.