Port Blair, Oct. 31: The A&N State Cooperative Bank organised a Felicitation Programme on 28th October, 2O16 in the premises of its Head Office to honor Olympian Dipa Karmakar, the Ace Finalist of Rio Olympics 2016. She is the first Indian in 52 years to qualify and represent India in Gymnastics (Produnova category) in an Olympic Games.
Shri Bhagat Singh, Chairman, Smti Laxmi Singh, W/o Shri Bhagat Singh, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Vice-Chairman, Shri Dulal Karmakar, Father of Ms. Dipa Karmakar, Board of Directors of the Bank, Shri Ravinder Rao, Managing Director, Shri K' Murugan, Chief General Manager, Eminent Sports persons of the Islands, Media persons, Bank Officials and a large number of general public attended the programme.
At the outset beginning, Shri Ravinder Rao, Managing Director of the Bank welcomed Ms. Dipa Karmakar wholeheartedly on behalf of A & N State Cooperative Bank. He said that it is a matter of great honour for A & N State Cooperative Bank to felicitate Olympian Dipa Karmakar in the 50th year of the Bank.
He also informed that ANSCB had started its journey in the year 1966 with a meager amount of Rs.86,000/- and by now the turnover of the bank has reached to Rs. 1100 crores with the bank extending its service to every corner of the Islands.
Ms. Dipa Karmakar, Olympian expressed gratitude and appreciated the efforts of A & N State Cooperative Bank in arranging such a marvellous function. She also urged that even being on a personal trip to Andamans; she has received tremendous support and love from the people of Andamans. She informed that the Journey to Olympics was not an easy task. She appreciated the support she had received from her parents, DG - Sports Authority of India and the entire people of the Country, which could enable her to earn honour and pride for the Nation.
Olympian Dipa Karmakar unveiled the 50th Year Logo of Andaman & Nicobar State Cooperative Bank Ltd' In Her honour and to mark the celebration of 50th Year of bank, Electrifying crackers with shots followed with beautiful patriotic songs by Police band were played.
Shri Bhagat Singh, Chairman, ANSCB presented a Memento, a 24 Carat gold plated Golden Rose and a cheque amounting to Rs. 1,00,000/- to Olympian Dipa Karmakar.
Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Bank in his address appreciated Olympian Dipa Karmakar for making it to the finals of Rio Olympics and making the Nation proud. He said that Dipa Karmakar despite being from one of the remotest corner of India - Tripura has brought laurels for the Country with her determination, dedication and hard work.
Sharma said that the achievement of Ms. Dipa Karmakar in the recently concluded Olympic will certainly inspire much more young athletes to adopt Gymnastic which will help in improving the popularity and overall standard of this sport in India. Even though she missed the medal with a whisker, her achievement were well acknowledged and admired by the nation by presenting her with prestigious "Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan Award"' He has also appreciated SAI in extending support to Ms' Dipa Karmakar for her achievement in Gymnastic.
Sharma added that, not only he but the entire nation is very much optimistic of Ms. Dipa Karmakar giving better performances and winning medals in the international arena in the forthcoming competitions.
The function was also graced by inviting eminent local sports Persons and International & National medal winner Sport persons of the Islands, who were honored by presenting, bouquet by the Management of ANSCB.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri K. Murugan, Chief General Manager.