12-day
Island
Tourism Festival gets off to a colourful start
The 12-day long mega event , the Island
Tourism Festival -2008 got off to a colourful start at the Exhibition
Ground, VIP road here on 16th Jan. 2008 . 
The
Lt.Governor , Lt. General (Retd) Bhopinder Singh inaugurated the annual
extravaganza by lighting the traditional oil-lamp in the presence of the
Member of Parliament ' Shri Manoranjan Bhakta , the Chief Secretary
(i/c) , Shri Arvind Ray, the Adhyaksha Zilla Parishad Ms. Mariam Bibi ,
the Chairperson PBMC , Shri R Damodharan, Councillors , PRI members and a
host of officials from Defence and Civil Administration besides general
public.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt. Governor said that the main aim of organising Island Tourism Festival is to attract more tourists to these islands so that the tourism industry develops in a big way. Tourism is developing fast in these islands which is evident from the fact that Indian and foreign tourists are visiting- these islands in large number , the Lt.Governor added.
The Lt. Governor further said that besides enjoying the green forests, beautiful sea beaches, the tourists are keen in visiting the historical places of these islands too. The Lt. Governor described these islands as a place of pilgrimage where many people sacrificed there lives for the cause of the motherland.
Referring to the developmental activities that have taken place here, the Lt. Governor said that it is the result of the hard work of the people of the islands. Employment generation of the local youths will be kept in mind before finalisation of projects of tourism and fishery in these islands , the Lt. Governor assured. The Lt. Governor also thanked Dr. Sonal Mansingh and the artistes for coming all the way from mainland to participate in the Island Tourism Festival.
In his address on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Manoranjan Bhakta expressed his happiness over the inauguration of the much awaited Island tourism Festival - 208. Shri Bhakta further said that the last one year these islands witnessed a series of development in different sectors and irged one and all to put their mite to take these Islands to the path of progress. The Member of Parliament underlined the ted for expediting the construction of the permanent shelters so that the tsunami affected get the accommodation facility soon. Shri Bhakta also urged for speedy implementation of Rozgar Guarantee Scheme for the benefit of the unemployed youths of these islands.
In his address on the occasion, the Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Arvind Ray said that the annual cultural bonanza, Island Tourism Festival is eagerly awaited by the tourists as well as the islanders. He said that the artists from EZCC and SZCC alongwith the local artists help the Administration in making the annual event a memorable one. Besides the main venue, cultural programs have also been planned in the remote islands also for the entertainment of the people, he added.
Welcoming the distinguished gathering on the occasion, the Special Secretary Tourism, Shri DR Tanta said that the 12-day annual event provides the islanders an opportunity to know about the development activities taking place. He said that about 210 artists from EZCC and SZCC are here to entertain the people of these Islands. Altogether 400 local artists will also join in the artists from mainland during the 12 - day festival.
The major attraction of the inaugural function was the oddissi dance performance by the Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh which drew loud appreciation from the audience. Dr. Sonal Mansingh started her performance on the song " Vande Matram". Later , Dr. Mansingh presented " Dasha Avtaar" which reflected her expertise in the Oddissi dance . In her brief address, Dr. Sonal Mansingh said that her long cherished dream to visit these islands have been fulfilled . She thanked the Administration for inviting her to participate in the festival.
Bihu folk dance EZCC(Assam ), Nicobari folk dance, Dream dance ( Song and Dram Division) and Bhangra folk dance (EZCC) formed part of the inaugural function.
The Deputy Director Tourism, Shri Har Prasad proposed the vote of thanks in the inaugural function.
Source: The Daily telegrams dt 17th January 2008