Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 August 2025
In a bid to promote informed and responsible tourism, the Department of Tourism organised a Public Lecture on Heritage Tourism on August 23, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management. The lecture was delivered by noted historian and Tribal Welfare Officer, Dr. Pronob Sircar, on the theme “History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Ancient and Pre-Colonial Era.”
Dr. Sircar presented a compelling account of the Islands’ rich historical legacy, cultural traditions, and maritime links predating colonial rule. He elaborated on how the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were perceived in ancient records, their place in maritime history, and the socio-cultural dynamics before the arrival of colonial settlements. The lecture also shed light on the first (1796) and second (1858) settlements, supported by a well-researched PowerPoint presentation.
The session went beyond historical narration, with students engaging actively in an interactive dialogue. Questions revolved around the early identities of the Islands and the origins of their place names, which Dr. Sircar answered with clarity and depth.
The event drew an overwhelming response from students, tourism stakeholders, officials, and members of the general public. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sircar emphasised that such initiatives are vital for present and future generations.
The initiative forms part of the Tourism Department’s broader vision to promote heritage tourism by fostering awareness of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ unique past.
