Smt Prathiba Devisingh Patil, Hon’ble President of India arrived at Car Nicobar islands in the afternoon on 26th December,2007 as part of her visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Her visit to Car Nicobar coincided with the third anniversary of tsunami. The President paid homage at the Tsunami Memorial at the Air Force Station. From there she visited the main Tsunami Memorial at Big Lapathy Jayanti village where she laid wreath and petals as a mark of reverence to the departed souls of the Tsunami of 26^th December, 2004.

          A function was organized at Kinyuka village where the President handed over 200 permanent houses to Tsunami affected people. In his welcome speech, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor Lt. General (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, expressed about President’s wish to first see the Nicobar Islands on the occasion of anniversary before going to other parts of Islands. The President is visiting a number of Islands in Southern Group which is a source of encouragement and pride for all of us.

This was followed by handing over of keys by the Hon’ble President to five Tsunami affected people out of the entire lot of beneficiaries. Thereafter, Shri Aberdeen Blair Chairman, Tribal Council, received a symbolic key from the President, which signified the handing over of 200 permanent houses, constructed by Government for the tsunami affected people of Kinyuka village.

Later, speaking on the occasion, the President remembered tragic effect of tsunami on the people of islands. However, she observed that the people had shown great fortitude and courage in the aftermath which made us all feel very proud of the inhabitants of the islands. She emphasized upon living together and working together and in this way contributing to the progress of the country. She mentioned about LG's observation about the people in the islands living in harmony and showing the patience and goodness of heart. She mentioned about one lot of 200 affected people getting the permanent houses and observed that all other people having lost their houses in tsunami would be getting permanent shelter. She gave encouragement to the youth of the islands asking them to pursue their higher studies in various cities in mainland. She wished everyone peace, prosperity and happiness.

On behalf of the Tribal Council, Shri. Cephas Jack, Deputy Vice Chief, thanked the President for her visit which signified manifestation of her affection and deep concern for people of islands.

Earlier, on the arrival in the afternoon, the Hon’ble President was received at the IAF Aerodrome by the Lt. Governor Lt. General (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, and other senior officers of the Administration and defence forces. She was presented a Guard-of-Honour by the Andaman Nicobar Command.

         She also visited an exhibition set up by Women Group of Car Nicobar showing various products based on local craft and appreciated the efforts of the tribal women.

On her arrival at Port Blair from Car Nicobar, the Hon’ble President of India was received at the airport by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor Lt. General (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM, First Lady of the islands, Smt. Bhawanee Singh, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri C. Targay, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Manoranjan Bhakta, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command Air Marshal PP Raj Kumar, Zilla Parishad Adhyaksha, Smt. V.K. Mariyam Bibi and the Chairman, Port Blair Municipal Council, Shri R. Damodharan.

Soon after her arrival at Port Blair, the President of India visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and placed wreath at the Freedom Fighters Memorial Column and went round the Memorial. She also witnessed the Sound and Light Show at the Memorial.