Port Blair, Sept. 2: The Department of Art & Culture and Kala Kendra Society organized a Patriotic Dance & Music Competition at Andaman Club here today. In the competition, Brishty Ray was the winner of the patriotic song (solo category) while M Arun and Retesh secured second and third positions respectively. The winners were awarded with certificates and cash awards of Rs 2500/- , Rs. 1500/-& Rs. 1000/- respectively.

In the group song category of patriotic song, Lakshya Public School, MJ Music Academy & GMS Dugnabad were adjudged first, second & third prize winners and awarded with certificates and cash awards of Rs. 6000/-, Rs. 4000/- & Rs. 3000/-respectively. A special award was given to Balakrishna Nritya Academy for their excellent dance performance.

The Director (Art & Culture), Dr. Jatinder Sohal was the chief guest. In his address, he appreciated the talents of the artistes’ fraternity of the Island and informed that Kala Kendra will be conducting more such programmes in the future to provide a platform to the Island artistes.  He also gave away cash wards and prizes to all the winners.

Dr. Rashida Iqbal, Assistant Director (Art & Culture) proposed the vote of thanks. Smti Sangeeta Chand, DEO Wimberlygunj, Dr. Jahan Ara Yasmeen, Deputy Director, A&N AIDS Control Society and Ms Samhita Veda Acharya, Convenor, INTACH, A&N Chapter were the jury members. The whole program was coordinated by Ms Nazima.