The profile of Andaman and Nicobar islands will be promoted internationally to attract tourists and investment with the signing of an MoU between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Union Territory administration today.
"Today, its very historic and important that we have signed this MoU with the Andaman-Nicobar administration to ensure that the sides come together to coordinate, collaborate, optimise efforts in enhancing international profile of the islands as it seeks to attract tourists, investment, technology and tap markets," ICCR Director General C Rajasekhar told reporters here.
As part of the MoU, which Rajasekhar signed with Andaman and Nicobar Secretary (Art and Culture) Ankita Mishra Bundela, ICCR will also arrange for international cultural troupes/ groups/performers/artists to visit the islands and vice versa.
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During the event, the two sides also decided to organise literature workshops in the UT for international exposure. This decision was taken after Bundela made a suggestion to this regard.
"What we are looking at is that international writers of eminence to come and stay at picturesque places like Andaman. They can spend some time there, organise some workshops, interact with people and also write, which will further enhance the tourist pull of that place," Rajasekhar said.
Bundela said the tie-up will help the UT to get foreign tourists and also offer a "wider" platform for the island people to showcase their talents to the world.
"And, we think it is also an opportunity for us to showcase the hidden talent and cultural aspect that we have in the Andaman. And I am very sure, the MoU will take us forward in that direction," she said.
The ICCR has executed MoUs with 10 state governments/UTs -- Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Odisha, Dadara and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
"We intend to include every state, especially north- eastern states, and every Union Territory because while they are important parts of India, they are much bigger than many independent countries and also the talent they have is quite enormous," Rajasekhar said.
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The ICCR said it will identify international writers, who will take part in the proposed literary festival in the islands in future, with the help of embassies and cultural centres in the country and overseas.
The ICCR has undertaken the exercise of tying up with states/UTs after Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a new division called 'States' in the Ministry of External Affairs to co-operate and collaborate with states and UTs.
The ICCR is engaged in promoting India's cultural relations by collaborating with other countries through its activities in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, academic conferences, establishing chairs of India studies in foreign institutions and hosting distinguished visitors in India.
