Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 11: In a noble initiative, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has facilitated a remarkable educational-cum-cultural excursion for bright young minds from all across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These students will embark on a memorable journey to the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi to partake in the grandeur and patriotic fervour of the Independence Day celebrations.
This initiative is curated to give students first-hand experience of the Independence Day celebrations in the National Capital. They will also have the rare opportunity to meet the Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
The programme reflects the spirit of unity in diversity and is aimed at nurturing cultural harmony, instilling national pride, and sowing the seeds of lifelong camaraderie. As part of the itinerary, the students arrived at Sri Vijaya Puram on 10 August. On the following day, 11 August, they interacted with Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd) the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and CINCAN Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Ph.D., Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command. On 12 August, the students will depart for Delhi to be part of the 79th Independence Day festivities and will return to Sri Vijaya Puram on 19 August with cherished memories of a lifetime.
The delegation comprises thirty meritorious students from across the three districts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — North Andaman (Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Baratang), South Andaman (Sri Vijaya Puram), and the Nicobar group (including Car Nicobar, Kamorta, and Campbell Bay). The selection embodies gender parity with fifteen boys and fifteen girls, all from higher secondary classes of various schools across the islands. They are accompanied by a male and female teacher, along with 05 Army personnel, who shall guide, mentor, and ensure the seamless coordination of their educational tour.
As part of their enriching itinerary, the students will explore some of India’s most iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, the National War Memorial in Delhi, and the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra. These visits are envisaged to ignite in them a deep sense of national pride, historical consciousness, and an emotional connect with the motherland.
These spirited youngsters are not just visitors, but cultural emissaries of their respective communities. With their rich traditions, vibrant folklore, and unique customs, they will share the essence of the emerald isles with their mainland counterparts, encouraging mutual appreciation and inspiring many to discover the beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This outreach initiative, facilitated by ANC, is poised to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of these young ambassadors. Their interactions with the Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, and the Chief of Defence Staff will serve as a beacon of inspiration, lighting the path to future aspirations of service and nation-building. The spirit of cultural confluence with students from diverse backgrounds will deepen their understanding of India’s unity amidst diversity, fostering values of tolerance, respect, and empathy.
This transformative journey will remain etched in the memories of these students as a treasured milestone on their path to growth, discovery, and service to the nation – symbolising the enduring values of unity, cultural harmony, and pride in India’s heritage.