Closing Ceremony of ITF-2008
Prize distribution ceremony marked the conclusion of the 12 - day long Island Tourism Festival at the ITF ground at VIP road on 27th Jan 2008 evening. The Chief Secretary, Shri Chhering Targay as the chief guest in the concluding function gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions organized as part of the festival.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that every effort is being made to improve facilities for the tourists to make these islands one of the most sought after tourist destination of our country. The Chief Secretary also urged the tourists to convey natural beauty of these islands and the composite culture of these islands, which he said, will encourage their relatives and friends to visit these islands.
The Chief Secretary also appealed to everyone including the govt agencies, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Port Blair Municipal Council to keep the city and its adjoining areas as also the beaches neat and clean. He also sought the cooperation of the general public and also the resort owners for improving facilities for the tourists.
The Directorate of Information Publicity & Tourism's pavilion was adjudged to be best in the Govt Stall while the second prize went to the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. Science and Technology Department received the third prize.
Amongst the private stalls, Karan Trading Company, Vision Pvt. Ltd, and Islamic Guidance Centre, Garacharma stood first, second and third respectively. Similarly, in the food Stall, Afzal Caterers bagged first prize, while Ali Store, Sanjay Saha, Gohar Lall and Sadhana Sorkar won the second prize and M Jasaleena got the third place.
The overall performance award was bagged by the Traffic Unit of the Police Department for maintaining smooth traffic. The APWD and SAC Department were also awarded for their contribution for the smooth conduct of the exhibition. The Special Secretary Tourism Shri D.R. Tamta proposed the vote of thanks.
Later, the artists from mainland and also from these islands presented cultural programmes much to the delight of the gathering present in the concluding function.
Source: The Daily telegrams dt 27th January 2008