Sri Vijaya Puram Aug. 30: A cultural programme of folk dances and folk songs was held at TGCE Auditorium today to commemorate the ‘World Day of Folklore’, observed globally. Organized by the Directorate of Art & Culture, A&N Administration this vibrant celebration of traditional art was inaugurated by the Secretary, Art & Culture, A&N Administration, Ms Jyoti Kumari, IAS as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest extended her heartfelt congratulations to all the participating students of the cultural programme for making the ‘World Folklore Day’ a special one. This event is not only a cultural event but also a meaningful effort to revive our roots, our traditions and our identity, the Secretary said. She further stated that the A&N Administration has always been committed to preserving our culture, history and heritage. This is our identity, our strength and an invaluable treasure for the coming generations she said.
The Secretary further said that Department of Art and Culture is making best efforts to revive our folk tales, folk songs and folk dances and pass them on to the new generation. She congratulated all participants for their enthusiasm and passion with which they have presented folk songs and folk dances on this platform today. “You have not only displayed your art but also lived the culture which we all want to preserve together”, she said.
The Secretary appreciate the entire team of the Department of Art and Culture for the conduct of the excellent cultural events. The chief guest also gave away trophies and participation certificates to the winners.
As part of the celebration, an inter collegiate folk-dance competition and presentation of folk songs by the winning teams of schools was presented by the students which drew loud applause from the packed to capacity audience at the auditorium. The winners of the folk-dance competition were adjudged by a panel of judges in which DBRAIT got the first prize, JNRM received second prize while ANCOL remained in third position.
The programme was further enriched by, two captivating talks. Historian Dr. Rashida Iqbal presented talk on “Andaman Ke Kisse,” sharing historical narratives from the pre-independence era of the Andaman Islands while Dr. Jochibed Vincent, faculty member of ANCOL, narrated “Nicobar Ke Kisse,” exploring indigenous tales, legends, and myths from the Nicobar Islands. These sessions offered the gathering of all ages a lively, rare and authentic glimpse of the history of A&N Islands as well as an insight into the oral heritage of the tribal communities, adding depth and historical resonance to the celebration. The school students from South Andaman and Wimberlygunj Zone presented impressive and prize-winning folk songs during the programme which was appreciated by one and all present in the auditorium. GSSS Boys won the first prize while GSS, Junglighat stood second in South Andaman Zone while Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Ferrargunj won the first prize while GSSS Tushnabad stood second under Wimberlygunj Zone. Complete results of the Folk Song Competition held among the school students in eight Zones are awaited and will be intimated soon.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director, Art & Culture, Smt. Priyanka Kumari informed that today’s, event was organized to commemorate World Folklore Day. She said that our country is known for its rich cultural heritage and the conduct of this programme is an effort towards further preserving and propagating our cultural heritage.
The event which was a vibrant tribute to the cultural legacy of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and a meaningful platform for intergenerational exchange and artistic expression concluded with vote of thanks proposed by the Assistant Director of Art & Culture, Smti. Kanak Radha Chatterjee.