Vocational Training on Traditional Nicobari Handicrafts Launched Throughout Nancowry Block

Rohit Kumar

Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 May 2025

In a concerted effort to protect cultural heritage and revive conventional craftsmanship, a 10-day Vocational Skill Development Training Programme on Traditional Nicobari Handicrafts has been launched throughout all 5 Tribal Councils — Kamorta, Nancowry, Katchal, Teressa, and Chowra Islands — underneath the Nancowry Block of Nicobar District.

The initiative is being collectively carried out by the District Administration, Nicobar and the Directorate of Rural Development, PRIs & ULBs, A&N Administration, by way of the Community Development Block, Nancowry, as a part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

The programme was launched underneath the steering of Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District. Formal inauguration ceremonies had been held at Kamorta and Nancowry Islands, the place Mr. Aditya Sangotra, Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry lit the normal lamp to mark the graduation. He was joined by Mr. Charles Jacob, CTC, Kamorta, Ms. Aysha Majid, CTC, Nancowry, Mr. Mohammed Yunus M, Block Development Officer, and Lt. Cdr. Shanu Mathew, Executive Officer (EXO), INS Kardip, as visitors of honour.

In his tackle, Mr. Sangotra urged individuals to actively have interaction in preserving and nurturing the wealthy cultural traditions of the Nicobarese group. He emphasised the significance of passing down these quickly fading expertise to youthful generations, and famous that the coaching affords a singular alternative for youth to study straight from their elders.

Tribal Council leaders from Kamorta and Nancowry praised the administration for initiating the programme and expressed hope that such efforts would proceed recurrently to strengthen cultural continuity.

Targeted primarily at members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and younger artisans, the coaching goals to equip individuals with hands-on expertise in conventional Nicobari handicrafts, thereby fostering financial empowerment whereas safeguarding indigenous artistry.

Earlier within the programme, Mr. Mohammed Yunus M, Block Development Officer, delivered the welcome tackle outlining the broader objectives of the initiative. The inaugural occasion concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Aslam Majid, First Captain of Kamorta.

Similar inauguration ceremonies had been held at  Katchal and Teressa Islands, presided over by the respective Tribal Council Chairpersons and SROs/ASROs, underscoring the block-wide dedication to cultural preservation and rural ability growth. (Story Based on PR)