Tribal Communities of Andaman and Nicobar celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav week of Tribal Affairs with fanfare

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have originally been the abode of six aboriginal tribes i.e., the Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, Sentinelese, Nicobarese and Shompens. Except Nicobarese the rest of the 05 tribes are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The tribes of the Islands belong to two different races. The Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges and the Sentinelese living in the Andaman group of islands belong to the Negrito group while the Nicobarese and Shompens, living in Nicobar Islands belong to the Mongoloid group. The tribes in the two regions have shown a marked difference in racial, linguistic and cultural terms as also the way of life adapted by them over the centuries.

As part of the nationwide celebration of the Iconic Week of Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the UT of Andaman and Nicobar Administration with support of Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India had organized week long celebrations starting from 15^th November to 22^nd November 2021 to celebrate and commemorate the glorious history of tribal people, culture and achievements as part of the overall commemorative initiatives under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Day-wise week long activities carried out by the A&N Administration for the tribes of A&N islands are given as under:-

1. Nicobari (Date of event -15.11.2021)

To commemorate Janjatiya GauravDiwas, an awareness programme to emphasize the importance of the promotion of various tribal arts, crafts and cuisine of the indigenous Nicobari tribe by the District Administration, Nicobar District involving tribal leaders and villagers of Nicobari community.

Similarly, the Directorate of Tribal Welfare in-collaboration with local Employment Office conducted career counseling workshop in-collaboration for the ST students pursuing higher education at local colleges in A&N islands. Objective of the workshop was to give orientation towards "AtmaNirbhar Bharat" wherein the tribes can participate in making country self-sufficient by encouraging entrepreneurship and skill development.

1. Jarawa (Date of events 16.11.2021, 17.11.2021 to 18.11.2021)

Organized traditional dance & song programme in Jarawa settlements. Interaction programme with the tribe of Jarawa community has been organized at their settlements to create awareness for preservation of their traditional value and food habits.

Archery competitions were organized as part of the commemorative initiatives under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, for Jarawa tribe of Lawaital, Tirrur and Kadamtala tribal settlements, which was enthusiastically participated by them by making their own bows & arrows.

1. Onge (Date of event 18.11.2021)

The Onge tribe living in Dugong Creek of Little Andaman also participated in the event and performed their traditional games, dance and cultural programmes . Painting competition for children, sensitization on hygiene & health camps were organized for Onge women for creating awareness on health hazard of consumption of tobacco etc.

Apart from this, sports and games activities viz., Koko, gymnastics, swimming, archery was also conducted, in which, large part of Onge children participated enthusiastically. Cleanliness drive under Swatch Bharat Mission was also conducted in Dugong Creek involving Onge tribe, as part of the events.

1. Shompen (Date of event 19.11.2021)

Health camp was organized for Shompen tribe living in Great Nicobar Island, a southern most part of India.

1. Andamanese (Date of event 21.11.2021)

A traditional cultural programme of dance and songs was organized for Andamanese tribe in the Andaman Club, Port Blair in-association with Directorate of Art & Culture. Essay and painting competition for children of Andamanese tribe was also organized as part of the events followed by prize distribution to the winners and participants.

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NB/UD