Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 03 December 2023
The appointment of Mr. Olake as the first Junior Engineer (Civil) in the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) from the Great Andamanese Community (PVTG) has sparked celebrations and congratulations, particularly from the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA), India’s largest tribal welfare organisation.
Mr. Olake, son of Mr. Look and resident of Strait Island, belonging to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) – Great Andamanese, received his appointment letter during the Rozgar Mela at DBRAIT Auditorium, Port Blair, on November 30, 2023. This significant event was presided over by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi virtually, where 51,000 appointment letters were distributed nationwide.
Expressing their delight over this milestone, Mr. Yogesh Bapat, National Secretary of ABVKA, and Mr. Biswamitra Mohanti, Joint Zonal Organising Secretary of Purva Kshetra, ABVKA, currently on their visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands from December 2nd to 18th, extended their congratulations to Mr. Olake and emphasized the importance of setting more such milestones from vulnerable tribal communities.
The news of Mr. Olake’s achievement has brought immense joy to the entire PVTG community, inspiring hope and motivation. ABVKA conveyed a message highlighting how this accomplishment will serve as a catalyst for further hard work and dedication towards the holistic development of tribal communities.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to five primitive tribes—Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentineles, and Shompens. Mr. Olake’s selection as a Junior Engineer in APWD is seen as a tribute to the valiant warriors of the Battle of Aberdeen in the Amrit Kal, resonating deeply with the heritage and resilience of these communities.
This milestone not only marks a personal achievement for Mr. Olake but also signifies a step forward in creating opportunities and breaking barriers for tribal representation in specialized fields. The significance of this moment reverberates across the country, symbolizing progress and inclusivity in India’s diverse society.