Port Blair, Dec. 28: On receipt of call from the office of the Secretary Tourism, Shri Haridas Chattopadhyay, State Convener Cultural Cell and Dr TK Jijith Rekh, Prabhari City Committee met Mr Sathish Mathur, who is also Secretary to the Lt Governor. Shri Chattopadhyay wanted to know about the fate of Islands Tourism Festival to which the Secretary detailed it and told that without his knowledge a huge amount was to be issued which was cancelled after a letter was sent from the BJP.

He further informed that now he is personally looking into the matter of issuing funds on the festival. Mathur agreed to call Ms Bharati and Kapil of Comedy circus personally. Their phone numbers was also given to the Secretary by Shri Chattopadhyay. Regarding bringing one band from Mizoram, Mathur told that they have already been contacted and they perform very well. Mr Mathur has also given his word to bring the most reputed Ethiopia Band of Dr. Palash who sings Hindi, Punjabi and English songs.

During the meeting Dr Jijith Rekh suggested that there should be a carnival in the pattern of Goa, and Mathur had agreed to it in principal and told that he will speak to the Lt. Governor on this matter. Apart from these, Mathur agreed for a beach festival, film festival and food festival.  

In the matter of issuing Passes, the Secretary told Chattopadhyay that he would see that no undue distribution happens so that maximum people are able to get it. Mathur also told that he will see to it that from the next year this festival is arranged during Christmas holidays, since during January students have to prepare for their examinations.

Appreciating the gesture of the Secretary Mr. Chattopadhyay suggested that action for this festival may kindly be initiated much before the commencement and Mathur happily accepted the suggestion, a communication from the State BJP Office said here.