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His Excellency, the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, visited Car Nicobar on 6^th May, 2005. He was accompanied by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A & N Islands, Prof. Ram Kapse, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Manoranjan Bhakta, Chief Secretary, Shri D.S. Negi and other senior officers of the Administration. On arrival, he was received by the Tribal Council, Chief Captain, Shri Aberdeen Blair, Bishop Rt. Rev. Christopher Paul, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars, Shri A. Anbarasu, and other local officers.

On arrival, the President drove to the Perka village, where he visited an Intermediate Shelter for those displaced by tsunami. Later, the President visited DC Office and inaugurated the Union Government’s computer literacy programme called Vidya Vahini Project in the conference hall.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars gave a presentation on the socio-cultural and economic life of the Nicobari people. He also dwelt at length about the relief measures and rehabilitation work undertaken post tsunami.

Thereafter, the President visited Chukchucha village, where he met the Tribal Council Chairman, Vice Chairman, Village Headmen and students and interacted with them. While interacting with the Tribal Leaders, the President expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage to the economy of the islands. He assured that the Administration will extend all possible help in restoring economic normalcy in the islands.

The Tribal Council members presented a memorandum to the President. He also heard their grievances and demands and assured that they will be looked into. These among others, are the empowerment of Tribal Councils at par with Panchayati Raj Institutions, continuation of relief for the tribals till normalcy in the islands is restored.

He addressed around 500 tribal children at Car Nicobar and answered their queries on the safety of the island groups in the wake of tsunami, reassuring them quoting seismologists that it occurs only rarely. The tsunami warning system would be in place by 2007, he said.

While interacting with students, the President advised each student of 10+2 to teach five family members during off school days like Saturday and Sunday so as to literate them. He also advised them not to be afraid of natural calamities but to face it courageously.

President Kalam was scheduled to visit today other tsunami-affected southern group of islands such as Teressa, Katchal and Kamorta as well but due to torrential rain and inclement weather, it was put off and he will again try to visit these places tomorrow, if the weather permits.

After returning to Port Blair from Car Nicobar, Dr. Kalam visited the Haddo Wharf this evening. The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Prof Ram Kapse was also present on the occasion. The President visited various godowns and the Chief Port Administrator made a presentation regarding the operations being carried out from there like movement of men and materials by ship to the islands affected by tsunami.

Candidates who have not received admit cards for the All India Engineering/Architecture Entrance Examination–2005 to be held on 08.05.2005 are advised to contact the Centre Superintendent at Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair on the day of examination at 8.00 AM positively with two copies of recent passport size photographs.

Heavy rain likely to occur at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands during next 48 hrs i.e. till noon of Sunday dated 08.05.2005.


His Excellency the President interacting with Nicobari tribal students	His Excellency the President visiting an Intermediate Shelter built for the tsunami affected persons at Car Nicobar alongwith the Hon'ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament, the Chief Secretary, DC (Nicobar) and others

His Excellency the President accepting a memento from the Tribal Council Leaders	His Excellency the President inaugurating Vidya Vahini portal

His Excellency the President inspects the Hodi; the traditional boat of Nicobarese	His Excellency the President interacting with locals at Car Nicobar

His Excellency the President sipping tender coconut in the company of the Hon'ble Lt. Governor