Diglipur, July 27: In a vibrant celebration of nature and environmental responsibility, Pristine Beach Resort, located in the heart of North & Middle Andaman, hosted a memorable Van Mahotsav event that brought together leaders, youth, and environmental advocates in a united effort to promote sustainability, tree plantation, and ecological education.
Organized by Mr. Alex Rajan, owner of Pristine Beach Resort, and Mrs. Asha Rajan, Vice President of the Andaman Avians Club (AAC), in association with Mr. D. Kishore Kumar, Coordinator (Diglipur) of AAC, the event welcomed participation from a wide range of stakeholders.
The occasion was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Neelu Mazumdar, Pradhan of Shibpur Panchayat, and Special encouraging guest Mr. M. Rajendra Kumar, Block Development Officer (BDO), Diglipur, along with Up-Pradhan and Samiti members of Shibpur Panchayat, and dozens of local youth volunteers.
The event commenced with a warm and purpose-driven welcome speech by Mr. Alex Rajan, who highlighted the need for long-term environmental commitment and announced an exciting initiative to host monthly public awareness events on various topics related to environment, tourism, and youth development.
Chief Guest Mr. Neelu Mazumdar praised the organizers for creating an inclusive platform and encouraged local residents to actively contribute to preserving Diglipur’s biodiversity and green heritage.
In a deeply impactful address, BDO Mr. M. Rajendra Kumar delivered a visionary speech that emphasized the importance of collaboration, youth empowerment, and holistic environmental development.
“If we want to protect the ecological identity of Diglipur,” he stated, “we must encourage meaningful partnerships between government departments, panchayats, eco-tourism entrepreneurs, nature clubs, and civil society. Only through a collective, holistic approach can we ensure the long-term sustainability of our environment.”
He also expressed his intent to collaborate with the Andaman Avians Club to organize a series of welfare initiatives focusing on environmental awareness, wildlife protection, capacity-building, and sustainable livelihoods for youth. He proposed forging connections with other community-based organizations to create an interlinked ecosystem of green action.
“You are not just the future—you are the force of today,” he told the youth. “Your voice, your energy, and your choices will shape the Andaman we pass on. Be changemakers—start today, lead tomorrow.”
The program’s core highlight was the tree plantation drive, where the Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, Samiti members, youth, and club members planted a variety of native saplings across the resort premises, reinforcing their commitment to Diglipur’s green growth.
Mr. D. Kishore Kumar, Diglipur Coordinator of AAC, presented a powerful overview of the club’s impactful work over the past eight years, notably the “Udhney Dho Hamey” Project, aimed at bird protection and habitat awareness. He also spoke about the Wildlife Protection Act, emphasizing legal and ethical duties to safeguard the region’s biodiversity.
In her thoughtful vote of thanks, Mrs. Asha Rajan expressed deep gratitude to the dignitaries, youth, and supporting organizations, and announced plans to organize workshops for young people focusing on nature, conservation careers, and eco-leadership.
This year’s Van Mahotsav at Pristine Beach Resort marked more than a celebration—it launched a movement. One that united governance, grassroots, and green minds toward the shared goal of building a cleaner, greener, and more aware Diglipur.