The Andaman and Nicobar Islands command universal appeal for a variety of reasons.
Every year, as many as three lakh tourists visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Port Blair now renamed Sri Vijaya Puram is the gateway to the pristine islands.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals On The Rise
It is therefore not surprising to know that foreign tourist arrivals have increased.
” Last year, 7,500 foreign tourists came here during the tourist season but this year, we have already crossed the previous year’s figure,” said Keshav Chandra, Chief Secretary of A&N Islands.
The British And The Japanese Visit The A&N Islands
He explained, “The British also come here. They started the settlement here in 1788.”
” The Japanese also come in certain numbers as they are historically related to this place,” he said.
Every year, tourists from different corners of the world visit the A&N islands to enjoy beaches and water sports.
They also visit museums that showcase the lives of vulnerable tribes.
Museums That Showcase Tribal Way Of Life
The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram, has a very impressive collection of exhibits showcasing the lives of the six main indigenous tribes of A&N Islands.
These are the Andamanese, Onges, the Sentinelese, the Jarawas, the Shompens and the Nicobarese.
The Samudrika Naval Marine Museum in Sri Vijaya Puram also features wooden sculptures of various tribes.
Tourist Season Starts In October
Every year, many tourists come here from Europe and Japan besides other countries during the tourist season (October to March).
Keshav Chandra describes the A&N islands as a fantastic tourist destination.
He says that the government is trying to make policies to develop the tourism sector.
Interest In the British And Japanese Occupation Of The Islands
The British and Japanese occupation of the islands is also of perennial interest to tourists.
Interest In The Cellular Jail
The 118 year- old cellular jail in Port Blair now renamed Sri Vijaya Puram, also attracts a large number of tourists.
A&N Islands Are “Heaven On Earth”
In an exclusive interview to StratNews Global, in his office in Sri Vijaya Puram, the Chief Secretary explained the strategic significance of the islands and called it ”Heaven on Earth”.
He also mentioned the Radhanagar beach in Havelock island now renamed Swaraj Dweep.
The Radhanagar beach is among the world’s top ten beaches.
Universal Appeal Of The Islands
Chandra who has been Chief Secretary for a little over two years, has enumerated the universal appeal of the islands.
He talked about the natural beauty of the islands, the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and the much-dreaded cellular jail.
What Really Appeals to Tourists?
Museums showcasing the lives of these tribals attract a lot of tourists from different corners of the world.
The Chief Secretary said that the cellular jail is an icon of India’s freedom struggle and attracts a large number of tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Also Visited The Cellular Jail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the cellular jail also enhanced interest of tourists in the jail which was constructed in 1906.
Administration Respects Tribal Sentiments But Stands Ready To Help
The Chief Secretary says that the administration strikes a cautious balance between support to the tribals and their desire for isolation, in its policies.
He draws attention to the winds of change in tribal way of life.
Historic Vote By Shompens
For instance, one-third of the total number of Shompens identified as a member of the PVTGs, exercised their franchise in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, this summer.
Some Andamanese Have Government Jobs
Likewise, it is heartening to know from him that a young Andamanese lady is pursuing MBBS.
They are in Strait Islands and also in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Many of the Andamanese are in government jobs.
The Jarawas And The Setinelese
He said that the Jarawas continue to live in their original habitat.
” So, we have very limited interaction with them.”
He described the Sentinelese as a very enigmatic tribe.
Government’s Policy Regarding The Tribals
The government follows a ‘Hands Off Eyes On’ policy in engaging with the tribals.
He says that the government keeps a watch on the Sentinelese but does not go there.
Chandra says that the Sentinelese maintain complete isolation and we respect that.
” We do not promote interaction with the tribes at all. People can visit museums to gather information about the tribes.”
The Andaman Aadim Janjaati Vikas Samiti
The Andaman Aadim Janjaati Vikas Samiti, an autonomous organization, however reaches out to them. Only trained people are allowed to go there.
Anybody keen to know more about the government’s policies on the tribals is bound to benefit from the knowledge shared by Chandra in this discussion.
Chandra also shared encouraging statistics on Foreign Tourist Arrivals last year and this year.
‘When Turquoise Waters Turned Dark’
This IAS officer who holds a postgraduate degree in Public Governance and Management from the London School of Economics, has also authored a book on the islands.
The book, published by Penguin, is titled ‘When Turquoise Waters Turned Dark.’
