Serendipity : Musings of an Islander

What began as a demand for a Central University has transformed into a democratic awakening among students By Debkumar Bhadra The recent developments concerning higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may ultimately be remembered not merely as an institutional transition but as a defining moment in the democratic evolution of the islands themselves. The islands being a UT without legislation, have over the years functioned under a governance structure driven by bureaucratic decision-making headed by the Lt Governor. In such a framework, policy decisions emerge from administrative corridors with limited-to-no consultation with islanders, their elected representatives, including their lone Member of Parliament. This has created a perception that decisions affecting the lives and future of islanders are taken without adequate stakeholder engagement. The latest and most consequential of such decisions has been the establishment of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose I...

By Debkumar Bhadra The decision to establish the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL) as a deemed-to-be university marks a defining moment for higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For decades, the islands have aspired to build a locally administered university ecosystem. In principle, the creation of a university within the islands is a welcome and long-awaited step toward academic autonomy and regional development. However, the manner and timing of its implementation have pushed the island's students into academic uncertainty that merits thoughtful consideration rather than outright dismissal. The transformation from affiliation under Pondicherry University (a Central University) to a newly constituted Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL), a deemed-to-be university represents a fundamental shift in the island's academic landscape. Establishing a university from scratch is not merely a matter of no...

How a Little Oversight Cost Bittu Both His Arms - but Brought an Entire Community Together By Debkumar Bhadra There are accidents, and then there are accidents that rewrite a life entirely. For Gaurab Kumar Paul — fondly known in our neighbourhood as Bittu — a single unwary moment on the morning of June 21, 2018, did exactly that. What began as a gesture of goodwill to help a friend ended with severe high-tension electrocution injuries that ultimately result in the amputation of both his arms. I have watched Bittu play as a toddler and grow to adulthood in my small neighbourhood in South Andaman. Writing this is not easy. But his story deserves to be told — not just as a personal account of tragedy and resilience, but as a larger reflection on how our healthcare system, administrative machinery, and community respond when one of our own falls. The Accident That Changed Everything It was a Thursday morning when Bittu went to lend a helping hand to a village mate wrapping up the pr...

Island villagers opposed to liquor outlets in their area – a success story By  Debkumar Bhadra Apropos news item “ V illagers oppose opening of liquor outlets in LA ” carried in E cho of I ndia dated A ugust 21, 2019. Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to congratulate the villagers for raising objection against liquor outlet in L ittle A ndaman. My thanks are also due to E cho of I ndia for giving prominence to the news item. Representational Image It is well established fact that alcoholism is the mother of all evils, the root cause of deteriorating social values, failing morals, matrimonial discord, diminished productivity, loss of livelihood, poverty, poor health and a variety of other ailments. Women, children and a large section of the population belonging to the lower income group are the worst affected. Easy availability of liquor is adding to their woes; there are reports that say school going juveniles and youths are increasingly ...

K P Mammu: South Andaman Fireman Who Became a National Record Holder in Masters Athletics By Debkumar Bhadra At an age when most athletes would have stepped away from competitive sport, K. P. Mammu was breaking national records. Representing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, he clocked timings that placed him among India’s best in masters athletics. Age, in his case, never stood in the way. Recently, I caught up with the master athlete, who reflected on his journey, future plans, and a long-cherished dream of winning a medal for the country at the international level. This article captures the story of the late resurgence of the Police Constable (Fireman) from a small island village who, through sheer grit, rose to the top, rewriting national records and continues to push his limits. Early Life, The Turning Point: 2015 State Championship Born on December 12, 1973, in Mannar Ghat village in rural South Andaman, K. P. Mammu showed early promise in athletics. From the age of 12, he w...

Kadakachang Bridge cum Sluice Gate The bridge cum sluice gate at Kadakachang which got severely damaged by the 2004 Great Sumatra - Andaman earthquake triggered tsunami, finally has been rebuilt. As of now the finishing work is in progress. Once formally opened, the decade and a half long wait for the residents of rural South Andaman would come to an end. Earlier posts on the issue : The day stands still for K adakachang B ridge cum S luice gate https://debkumarbhadra.blogspot.com /2016/01/ the-day-stands-still-for-kadakachang.html Featured in the S pecial E dition of T he A ndaman E xpress dated 26/01/2016 6 Y ears is too long a wait https://debkumarbhadra.blogspot.com /2011/11/6 -years-and-counting.html Featured in the L ight of A ndamans dated 09/09/2011 The I nconvenient T ruth https://debkumarbhadra.blogspot.com/2011/08/inconvenient-truth.html Featured in the P ort B lair edition of E cho of I ndia dated 11/08/2011