Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 23: As part of its ongoing efforts to promote informed and responsible tourism, the Tourism Department organized a Public Lecture on Heritage Tourism on 23rd August 2025 at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Disaster Management. The session was delivered by Dr. Pronob Sircar, noted historian and Tribal Welfare Officer, on the theme ‘History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Ancient and Pre-Colonial Era.’
Dr. Sircar’s presentation provided a compelling account of the Islands’ rich historical legacy, cultural traditions, and maritime links predating colonial rule. He highlighted how the Andaman and Nicobar were perceived in ancient records, their place in maritime history, and the socio-cultural dynamics prior to colonial settlements. The lecture also touched upon the first (1796) and second (1858) settlements, vividly illustrated through a well-researched Power Point presentation.
The engaging session extended beyond historical narration, with students actively participating in an interactive dialogue. Questions ranged from early identities of the Islands to the origins of their place names, all of which were answered with clarity and depth.
The programme witnessed an overwhelming response from students, tourism stakeholders, officials, and the general public. In his remarks, Dr. Sircar observed that such programmes are always a need of the present and the future, for they ensure that coming generations remain aware of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers, whose vision was to see our society progress in peace.”
This initiative forms part of the Tourism Department’s broader vision to promote heritage tourism by creating awareness of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ unique past.