Closing Ceremony of ITF-2010
The Islands Tourism Festival-2009-10 concluded in the ITF ground at VIP road on 15th Jan 2010 evening. The Chief Secretary, Shri Vivek Rae, chief guest of the function gave away prizes to the winners of the various contests organized as part of the Festival. The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray also graced the occasion.
Addressing the function, the chief guest Shri Vivek Rae said that the Festival has gained popularity among the islanders and as a result of this, it has been extended for another two day on public demand. ‘It would be our endeavor to make this festival more popular one in future’ Shri Vivek Rae said.
Underlining the need for providing opportunity to the local artistes to display their talents during the festival, Shri Rae noted with appreciation said that many cultural groups of the islands have come up to participate in this event. However, they need to be encouraged further so as to improve their performances, Shri Vivek Rae said. With East and South Zone Cultural centers, participating in the festival, the people of the islands had an opportunity to witness the cultural heritage of different regions in the country, Shri Vivek Rae said.
The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, while speaking on the occasion, expressed gratitude to the islanders, especially those who contributed in the preparation of the festival, for its successful conduct.
Among the departmental stall, Directorate of Agriculture was adjudged the best stall, while Directorate of Industries and APWD bagged the second and third positions respectively. A & N Command was awarded consolation prize. In the best stall award for private stall (eatery category) Afzal Catering, Uma Bakery and Icyspicy bagged the first three positions respectively while in the private (Gen. Category), Glory Agencies, A to Z and M Marvelous Creation got the first, second and third positions respectively.
A colorful cultural programme was presented by the Directorate of Education in the function, which concluded with the vote of thanks, proposed by Shri G G Saxena, Secretary (Tourism).
Source: The Daily telegrams dt 16th January 2010