Port Blair, Mar 07: The Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman of Islands Development Agency, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) has called upon the youth to take up the task of national building and take the country to its rightful place. He was addressing the valediction of the ANCO Youth Festival-2019 at DBRAIT auditorium here today. The Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad South Andaman, Mr. Sanjib Kr. Mandal, Secretary (Edn.), Mr. D Manikandan and senior officers of the Administration were present on the occasion.
The Lt. Governor said that India has the second largest population in the world, with 65% of its population are in the youthful age of below 35 years. This section of young population can play a significant role towards the development of the country and put it in its right place, he said.
The Lt. Governor complimented the officials, faculty and students of DBRAIT for having the Green Building and for the successful conduct of the Festival. He suggested for expanding the scope of activities in the Festival by including intellectual components, which will benefit the students to a great extend.
Interacting with the students of different colleges of the Islands, the Lt. Governor responded to the queries raised by them. On environment conservation, the Lt. Governor informed that all projects that are carried out in the Islands are being processed in conformity with the environment conservation. Steps are being taken to strike the balance between conservation and development, he said.
On the employment opportunity to the local youth, the Lt. Governor mentioned that apart from tourism and hospitality, there are no other industries that can provide employment in the Islands. However, it is expected that once the network connectivity is improved after the work for laying the undersea cable is completed, it will boost IT enable industries, which will generate employment to the youth of the Islands, he said.
On the strategic location of the Islands, the Lt. Governor said that every citizen, especially the youth need to be extra vigil over any unfriendly activities and act as ear and eye of the nation. The Lt. Governor said that these Islands are located in the busiest sea route. There is need to utilize the benefit of our close proximity to the ASEAN by opening direct trade, mentioning some initiatives of the Administration in introducing direct trade with South East Asian Nations for construction materials with zero percent import duty.
On Smart City, and the contribution towards it, the Lt. Governor said that smart city is nothing but a coming together of all infrastructure facilities that made available for every citizen. The youth should act to bridge the gap between agency and the people to sensitize them about cleanliness and to bring behavioural change in them to keep up a clean and green environment, he said.
Earlier, the Lt. Governor inaugurated the Green Building of the DBRAIT and was apprised of the various initiatives of the Institute towards environment conservation.
A colourful cultural programme was presented by the students winners of the competitions held during the Festival.
Ms. Ritika Ghosal, Student of DBRAIT welcomed the gathering and the valedictory function concluded with the vote of thanks, proposed by Ms. Sherron of ANIIMS.