Sri Vijaya Puram, May 28: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS today launched a historical book titled ‘The Story of Cellular Jail’ at the historic Andaman Club. Authored by Dr. Rashida Iqbal, the book is a study Andaman penal settlement and the infamous Cellular Jail, now a National Memorial.
Addressing the gathering after the launch, the Chief Secretary expressed that he has been closely connected with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which was always his preferred choice of posting since his days of probation as an IAS. He also expressed that he has a deep liking of the subject history, stating that we all should be aware of our history. Unless we are thorough with our history, we cannot justify the future, he said. The society which cannot understand its history, cannot plan for its future, he added stating that it becomes our duty to narrate our history to our future generations.
He called upon the Department of Art & Culture to plan and conduct routine story telling sessions (Kissa Goi) by historians and academicians, so that the knowledge of our heritage can be shared and carried further.
The Chief Secretary also informed that there is a concept of UNESCO World Heritage Site in which the name of Cellular Jail and Narcondom Island feature in the tentative list. The Administration after due consultation with the stakeholders have now proposed four new names to be added in the tentative list of World Heritage Site. They include Chatham Saw Mill, Barren Island, Baratang Lime Stone Caves and the Archives of Nancowry group of islands. In June 2025, there will be a workshop in which members of Archaeological Survey of India and other experts will participate and suggest on how to propose the lists in a better manner for approval as World Heritage Sites.
Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar congratulated Dr. Rashida Iqbal on the well-researched book and said that he believes that as on date Dr. Rashida is the best one to narrate the story of the Cellular Jail.
Addressing the gathering the Author, Dr. Rashida Iqbal described her book as a fascinating study of the Andaman Penal Settlement and the infamous Cellular Jail. The book will take the readers on an emotional journey through the lives of the freedom fighters who endured unimaginable suffering within the walls.
She further said that this gripping narrative reveals the untold stories of struggles, sacrifice, and an unyielding spirit as these patriots faced the brutalities of colonial oppression not only from the British but also from the Japanese imperial force.
Dr. Rashida Iqbal dedicates her book to her father, a convict from Peshawar.
The programme was compered by Mrs. Geeta Navin Bhat, who also proposed the vote of thanks.