Port Blair, Oct. 16: Mr. Samir Acharya, Secretary of the Society for Andaman & Nicobar Ecology breathed his last today morning at 3.30 am at Chakraborty Hospital, Port Blair after brief period of illness. He was 76. He is survived by his wife Geetanjali Acharya, daughter Samhita Acharya and grandson Marvellous Giles.
Late Mr.Acharya was a renowned activist from A&N Islands, defending the rights of the indigenous tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and also fighting for the protection of the fragile ecology of these Islands. His demise has created a void that can never be filled while his contribution for the islands will always be remembered.
Reacting to the demise of Samir Acharya, Dr. Manish Chandi, Researcher from Andaman Nicobar Environmental Team (ANET) said, “With Samir's passing away, this is a signal of the end of an era. He was one of a kind and generous helpful and insightful in the insidious ways of governance and how the islands were being mismanaged from a long long time ago.
“Samir was the only person at one point in time who would openly voice his opinion and call a spade, a spade,...if not, even a black kettle.
“I've enjoyed my many visits to Tarang when we could chat on various issues and problems and was always grateful for his insight and advice too.
“He will be sorely missed from the islands and his passing marks the end of an era and signals a new one which hopefully the islanders will have the gall, grit and determination to set right the many wrongs that take place in the name of development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands”.
“Samir Acharya was one of the most vocal activists from Andamans. He was instrumental in securing SC Judgments banning logging on the islands and shutting the Andaman Trunk Road (latter not implemented). Thanks to him, large tracts of forests are intact. May his soul rest in peace”, said a message from Dakshin Foundation.
“We will surely miss his unmatched perspective on range of issues from Science to Environment to everything that concerns a common man”, said Debkumar Bhadra.
Meanwhile the Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma has expressed his condolence over the demise of Mr. Acharya. The MP along with all senior leaders of PCC and its frontal organizations pray to the Almighty to give eternal peace for the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
The Ex-Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has also mourned the demise of Samir Acharya.
The Chairperson, Tribal Council of Nancowry, Smti Ayesha Majid and Shri Rashid Yusoof of Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industry have also mourned the sad demise of Mr. Acharya.
The Keshariya Hindu Vahini of Andaman wing, Hindu Sewa Sangh and Shri Dharmendra Narayan (Ex-Councilor) have also expressed deep condolence over the sad demise of Shri Samir Acharya, owner of Tarang Trades and Secretary of Society for Andaman & Nicobar Ecology (SANE)). The KHV, HSS & Shri Dharmendra Narayan (Ex- Councilor) conveyed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved members of his family.