OREANDA-NEWS. The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari evinced deep interest in the anthropological and cultural aspects of different aboriginal tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He visited the Andaman & Nicobar Tribal Research Institute (ANTRI) in Port Blair today, on the eve of its first anniversary. The Vice President is on a four-day visit to the Islands since yesterday.

In ANTRI, Vice President inspected the exhibits on the tribal lifestyles. Lt Governor of the Union Territory, Lt Gen (Retd) AK Singh explained to him the evolution of ANTRI as one of the premier institutes of research on tribal studies in a short span of time. He also explained the differing perceptions on tribal issues among the general public, researchers, pressure groups, NGOs etc and the aspirations of some of the tribes and gave details on the welfare measures being undertaken by the Union Territory Administration with responsibility and accountability, by taking into account the learned views of specialists on the subject and other stakeholders. Prof. Vishwajit Pandya, Honorary Director, ANTRI, made power point presentations on the tribes like Jarawas, Shompens, Onges and Nicobarese and briefed about the linkages of the tribes with their counterparts in certain other parts of the world. He also elucidated the novel bilingual and pictorial educational programme for the Jarawas called "Ang Katha," with the help of the Aadhim Janjati Vikas Samiti, a quasi-Government organisation under the Islands Administration.

Mr Theva Neeti Das, Secretary, Tribal Welfare of the Administration thanked Vice President for visiting the fledgling institute that celebrates its first anniversary tomorrow.

Vice President has been presented mementos made by the tribal artisans. He has been welcomed by tribal children and elders.

Chief Secretary Mr Anand Prakash, Director General of Police Mr Sudhir Yadav and many other higher officials also accompanied Vice President.