Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 August 2025
The spirit of the 79th Independence Day was celebrated with colour, culture, and community engagement as a two-day Block Mela-cum-Tribal Food Festival was held at the Hockey Ground, Kamorta, on August 15–16, 2025. The event was organized under the flagship programme of the Government of India, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), with the aim of empowering rural communities, strengthening citizen–administration interface, and promoting cultural expression and entrepreneurship.
The inaugural function was graced by Mr. Aditya Sangotra, Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry, as the chief guest, in the presence of Ms. Ayesha Majeed, Chief Tribal Captain, Nancowry, Mr. Charles Jacob, CTC, Kamorta, Mr. Mohammed Yunus M, BDO, Nancowry, besides Heads of Departments, tribal leaders, and villagers in large numbers.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest emphasized the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in organizing such community programmes, noting that joint efforts not only enhance service delivery but also help the public better understand welfare schemes and initiatives.
Welcoming participants, the Block Development Officer, Nancowry, highlighted the festival’s role in fostering cultural preservation, livelihood promotion, and innovation.
A major highlight of the mela was the launch of “NiCoShe,” a new SHG brand of Virgin Coconut Oil, managed by Manula Mathai Payuh, a Producer Group formed under DAY-NRLM.
For the first time in the Nancowry region, a Virtual Reality Show was also introduced in collaboration with the Department of IP&T, offering visitors a 3D exploration of tribal villages such as Daring, Munak, Hodi race, and the Kamorta Natural Harbour.
Various Government Departments—including Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Agriculture, Fisheries, Fire, Health, Rural Development, Social Welfare, State Bank of India, and INS Kardip—set up stalls to create awareness about their schemes. More than 150 Self Help Group members from remote areas like Katchal, Teressa, and Bunderkhadi participated, showcasing handicrafts, embroidery, and local produce.
The Tribal Food Festival proved to be a crowd-puller, with SHGs presenting a wide array of Nicobarese delicacies prepared from coconut, pandanus, taro, yam, and seafood, offering visitors a taste of the islands’ rich culinary traditions.
Adding vibrancy, the much-awaited “Dance Nancowry Dance” competition featured performances blending traditional and modern dance forms, drawing enthusiastic applause. The festival atmosphere was further enriched with spirited community games such as Tug of War (men’s and women’s categories), Coconut Grating, Arm Wrestling, and Pass the Ball, which rekindled camaraderie and festive cheer among all age groups. (Story Based PR)
