Diglipur, Dec. 15: The week-long Vikas Mela concluded on December 14 at Navin Nagar, Diglipur, showcasing government welfare initiatives, women-led livelihood projects and cultural programmes, and drawing large participation from people across the tehsil.
Among the stalls set up by various government departments, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was adjudged the best stall by the jury for its effective presentation of schemes and services. The Department of Industries secured the second position, while the Department of Forest and Environment stood third.
Women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) formed under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) also put up attractive stalls highlighting their income-generation activities and community initiatives. In the SHG category, Devi Shakti SHG of Diglipur bagged the first prize, followed by Maa Shakti SHG of Madhupur in second place, while Bharat SHG of Subhasgram emerged as the second runner-up.
Adding colour and excitement to the closing ceremony were the contests for “Mrs Diglipur” and “Ms Diglipur”, which involved a rigorous question-answer round evaluated by a jury. Mrs Shanti Gain of Khudiram Pur was declared winner of the Mrs Diglipur title, while Ms Sushmita Baroi emerged winner in the Ms Diglipur category.
The prizes were distributed by the Chief Guest, Shri Shribas Chandra Das, Zila Parishad Adhyaksh of North & Middle Andaman, and the Guest of Honour, Shri S. Krishna Chaitanya, ADM (HQ). Victorious school sportspersons from various competitions organised during the Mela week were also felicitated. Heads of offices from various government departments and elected representatives, including Panchayat Pradhans, Panchayat Samiti Members, and Zila Parishad Members, were honoured for their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shribas Chandra Das said that events like the Vikas Mela provide a platform for social interaction, exchange of good practices, and reflection on development goals and achievements. He added that self-evaluation helps boost confidence and encourages people to move ahead with renewed zeal and enthusiasm. Sharing his experience of a recent meeting with the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, he said a request had been made to entrust the construction and repair of National Highways to APWD, which would generate more employment opportunities for local youth and entrepreneurs. He also expressed the desire that such Melas be organised annually instead of after a gap of five years.
Congratulating the organisers, ADM (HQ) Shri S. Krishna Chaitanya lauded the efforts of the Panchayat Samiti, Diglipur, under the leadership of Pramukh Shri Deepankar Mistry, for organising the Mela on such a large scale, benefiting a maximum number of people. He also appreciated the contribution of Zila Parishad Member Shri Pradeep Das.
Proposing the vote of thanks, Block Development Officer Shri M. Rajendra Kumar acknowledged the coordinated efforts of local government departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, school students, and socio-cultural organisations in ensuring the success of the Mela.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a melodious welcome song presented by the Community Resource Persons (CRP) group under NRLM, followed by a vibrant folk-dance performance by the Netaji Organisation of Nabogram.
The closing ceremony was attended by DFO Dr. H.S.K. Murty, Executive Engineer Shri Uday Banu Singh, DEO Smti Sulochana, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shalini Singh, PCCF (Retd.) Shri Jayaraj, senior officers, employees and a large number of residents from all walks of life.