Port Blair, March 10:  International Women’s Day was befittingly celebrated by ‘Port Blair Guru Ki Rasoi’ (PBGKR) in association with Cute Cottons Boutique on March 8, 2024. The grand celebration was organised at Bageecha, Port Blair in which Ms. Mumtaz Bano, Retired Announcer All India Radio and Mrs. Zubaida Begum, Ex-Chairperson Port Blair Municipal Council graced as the special guests.

The celebration was marked with artists from different walks of life presenting mesmerizing song numbers to make the occasion lively. More than 50 women including petty business owners, entrepreneurs, government servants and housewives were presented certificate of appreciation for their service to the society and their families. Among them were three exceptional ladies viz. Ms. Nidhi Bisht, Mrs. Delocin Banerjee and Ms. Pooja Biswas who were felicitated with an award and a certificate by PBGKR.

Athlete Ms. Nidhi Bisht:

Nidhi Bisht is an international runner up in the sport of Model Body Building. An athlete, certified Coach and a nutritionist with more than 8 years of experience, she a dedicated fitness enthusiast. Her transformative journey in the fitness realm began in 2013 when she took charge of her health, setting her on an unwavering path of discipline and commitment.

Over the years, Nidhi has evolved both physically and mentally, establishing herself as a beacon of inspiration for others.

In her role as a certified Coach and nutritionist, Nidhi has amassed extensive knowledge in various training techniques, effective workout routines, and the significance of a clean and balanced diet. Her expertise lies in providing personalized guidance, tailoring fitness strategies to individual needs and capabilities. Nidhi's commitment extends beyond the physical, recognizing the importance of nurturing a healthy mindset in overall well-being.

Believing that fitness encompasses more than just appearance, Nidhi utilizes her social media platforms to educate, motivate, and inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her content focuses on workouts, celebrating victories, fostering a supportive community.

For those seeking tips, motivation, or connection with a supportive community, Nidhi opens the door to her fitness family. Every day is an opportunity to embark on a journey towards a healthier self. With Nidhi's guidance, staying motivated and dedicated becomes the shared foundation for achieving fitness goals together.

Nidhi invites like-minded individuals to join her fitness family, encouraging collective transformation of bodies, minds, and lives.

Airport Manager, Akasa Air, Ms. Delocin Banerjee:

Having completed her Masters in Sales & Marketing from Bhavans in the year 2000, Mrs. Delocin Bannerjee started her career as a Counsellor in SSI, Port Blair. In just couple of years, she joined as a ground staff for Jet Airways and later rose to the position of Airport Manager of Jet Airways. This was at a time when securing a job in the airlines industry was a dream of many. She became the first woman in the Islands to hold the position of an Airport Manager of any airline company.

Later in the year 2011, Ms. Delocin Bannerjee joined the first catamaran operating company in A&N Islands ‘Makruzz’ as the Manager (Operations). At Makruzz she ensured that the company continued to grow as the number one company, catering to clients including celebrities from across the globe.

Having served as Manager (Operations) at Makruzz for over a decade, Mrs. Delocin Bannerjee finally returned to the airlines industry, after she was again offered the post of Airport Manager of Akasa Airlines in December 2023. This is the second time when Mrs. Delocin Bannerjee secured the very important post of Airport Manager, this time in a company which has ambitious plans to grow as an international carrier.

Ms. Bannerjee apart from holding high ranking positions in various companies from time to time, is also mother of three young boys and ensures that she spares the much needed quality time to nurture her sons.

Zumba Instructor/ Sr. Gym Trainer Ms. Pooja Biwas:

With an experience of more than fifteen years in the fitness industry, Pooja is the first qualified lady Gym Instructor/ Sr. Gym Trainer in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Trained at elite national training institutions like Gold Gym and K11, her prime focus has been on empowering women in the Islands. Over the years, she has trained hundreds of women in the Islands and has to her credit an equal number of satisfied clients.

Pooja started her career with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as a student. During her early years, she was trained in Rowing. With the training received through coaches of international repute and a determined mind to win, Pooja secured many medals including a Gold at the National Level Rowing Competition. Unfortunately, she had to bid adieu to the sport due to an injury during the championship. But Pooja never gave up!

She continued to train herself in the Gym and later secured certifications from India’s top ranking Gym Training Institutes.

It was not only this; while continuing to train her clients, Pooja had realized that she had a bent of mind towards dance. This led to opening up of a new field of expertise for Pooja, making her the first ever qualified Zumba Instructor of the Islands. While continuing to learn Zumba, Pooja secured an International Certification in Zumba and becomes the First Internationally Certified Zumba Instructor from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

With a combo of vast experience in Rowing Sport, Gym and Zumba, Pooja Biswas steals the show every time she gets an opportunity. She has been invited to train officials in the Andaman Nicobar Command, Andaman & Nicobar Police and other government and private establishments in the Islands.

Pooja Biwas today is a big name in the Islands’ fitness industry and continues to empower women by helping them lead a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Being a single mother, life wasn’t easy for Pooja. Yet, she never compromised with her situation and led to the mission of empowering women in the Islands by upgrading her skills consistently. For her determination and service to the society, Pooja Biswas had been recognized by various institutions/ organisations and the A&N Administration on the occasion of Women’s Day celebration.

On the occasion certificates of appreciation were distributed to the participants by Mrs. Jabman Sandhu, W/o Mr. Mandeep Grewal, President, PBGKR. The celebration also included women from different walks of life explaining about their journey called life and inspiring those present.

The celebration later concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Samreen Nadeem, Owner of Cute Cottons Boutique, Port Blair.