Address and Interaction With Members of Tribal Council and Children at Car Nicobar

Car Nicobar : 06-05-2005

Dear members of Car Nicobar, I am happy to be with you all today. I am aware that all of you had passed through a very difficult period after the occurrence of Tsunami in this region on the 26th December 2004. All of you had collectively combated the situation and the island now is on the recovery path. I have been monitoring the progress of the immediate relief operations from the various officials who have been visiting the Island and through the daily report being submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

At the outset I must tell you that, after the Tsunami this region had number of after shocks. I had discussed the phenomena of after shocks with the IMD authorities and also with earthquake experts. I have found that the number of after shocks which occurred in the Gujarat area after the Bhuj earthquake and the number of after shocks which occurred after Latur earthquake are 153 (26 Jan 01 to 31.12.2001) and 42 (29 Sep 1993 to 20 Jan 1994) respectively. One redeeming factor is that the intensity of the aftershocks has always been much lower than the initial shock. Therefore, I would like to confidently mention to you that the worst is over and these shocks which you are experiencing now will not create any severe problem to the people of the island.

The Government is fully aware of the problems of the island and they will be positioning the Tsunami warning system by the year 2007. Here, I would like to appreciate the unique quality of the aboriginals who can sense nature very clearly and have a unique self protection system by which they can survive under the worst of natural circumstances. This is what has happened in the Island and there has been no casualty reported of the aboriginals. Others have a lot to learn from the Tsunami.

I would also like to share the self-reliance characteristics of the tribals of the region, who have taken the responsibility of bringing up the orphaned children of their community themselves and they have refused to receive any support from voluntary philanthropists.

The Government is fully committed to have a comprehensive rehabilitation package involving construction of roads and bridges, ICT, Agriculture, Agro-forestry, housing, water, ports and jetties, fishing equipments, schools/colleges, medical facilities and other welfare schemes for the Tsunami affected areas of the island. These infrastructure will be complimentary to the overall planned development of the island as a whole. I am suggesting the following missions for the island to bring in productive employment opportunities for the citizens living here:

(a) Bamboo mission

(b) Deep sea fishing

(d) Tourism

I visualize the Andaman Nicobar Island tourism to be developed in the model of Maldives.

The tourism in Maldives accounts for over 19% of their GDP, a fifth of total employment, approximately 30% of revenues and 70% of foreign exchange earnings. Tourism, the dominant sector of the country?s economy, is very dependent on choices made by external consumers. The Maldives attracts tourists with its beautiful island resorts in the form of aesthetically crafted thatched cottages and bungalows.

In 2004, Maldives had attracted tourists, twice its population. On analysis, I found the reasons for the growth as, that the Government of Maldives gives the Islands for development as tourists spot on lease to private enterprises. The private enterprises invest and develop the whole Island with self-contained resorts including roads, power system, communication, drainage and waste management system, water, shopping malls, entertainment areas and banking system. There is no Government investment needed for the project.

Since number of children are here I would like administer a six point oath for the children:

Six point Oath for Children

1. I will pursue my education or the work with dedication and I will excel in it.

2. I will plant at least five saplings and shall ensure their growth through constant care.

3. I will constantly endeavor to remove the pain of my suffering brethren.

4. I will not support any religious, caste or language differentiation.

5. I will be honest and endeavour to make a corruption free society.

6. I will proudly celebrate the success of my country and my people.

I am very happy to be in the midst of brave people who have the courage and mental strength to face any challenging problem. I visualize Andaman Nicobar to be a prosperous, peaceful and safe place by the year 2010. It will be an abode having all the infrastructure to receive and service at least one million tourists every year. The entire place will be bubbling with activity and the tourists will enjoy the natural beauty of the island and hospitality of the islanders.

Sea Waves

We are the children of Sea waves,

Sea waves are also my friends.

When they become angry,

Sea waves give us challenges.

God has given us courage,

to challenge the sea waves,

And we succeed.

God blesses us.

APJ Abdul Kalam 6 May 2005

(Written at Chuckchucha village, Car Nicobar, when meeting Tribal Council Leaders, Students, Children after the tsunami attack on A&N Islands on 26 Dec 2004)