Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 December 2024
A new retail outlet of the renowned Sagarika Emporium was inaugurated on December 25, 2024, at the Security Hold Area of the New Terminal of Veer Savarkar International Airport. The outlet was inaugurated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration, in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. Satyendra Singh Dursawat, IAS, Secretary (Industries), Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman District, Mr. Devender Yadav, Airport Director, and Mr. Rakesh Das, Director of Industries.
The Department of Industries, A&N Administration, has been at the forefront of promoting the indigenous handicrafts of the Islands, particularly items crafted from cane, bamboo, coconut shells, and wood, among other local resources. Sagarika Emporium serves as a government-operated souvenir outlet, providing a platform for local artisans to market their products. This initiative aims to deliver high-quality handicrafts at competitive prices while ensuring fair returns for the artisans.
With this new addition, Sagarika Emporium now operates five outlets across India—three in Sri Vijaya Puram, one in Swaraj Dweep, and one in New Delhi. The department’s marketing strategy, based on a “No Loss No Profit” model, reflects a commitment to sustaining the handicraft sector and supporting the livelihoods of local artisans.
The inaugural event was attended by Mr. Ajit Anand, Deputy Director, officers from the Directorate of Industries, and an enthusiastic group of buyers. The event was marked by immediate sales, reflecting strong interest in the unique handicrafts of the region.
The new outlet is expected to bolster the visibility of Andaman’s rich cultural heritage, offering travellers a chance to take home authentic, locally-made souvenirs.