Port Blair, Jan 21: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration is participating in the Republic Day Parade-2019 at Raj Path, New Delhi by way of presentation of Andaman & Nicobar Tableau. The Andaman & Nicobar is being represented in the Republic Day parade for the first time after 2006 as no Tableau from the Islands featured during last 13 years. It has been a privilege that A & N Administration has been selected to participate with the theme ‘GANDHI CONNECT’ to be displayed in the Republic Day Parade-2019. The tableau of Andaman & Nicobar showcases the effect of Gandhiji among the inmates of Cellular Jail in Andaman, who (the inmates) went on hunger strike for restoration of civil liberties and unconditional release of all political prisoners. On 28th August, 1937, Mahatma Gandhi sent a Telegram to the prisoners, who were on hunger strike in Cellular Jail, advising them, on behalf of not only himself but also Poet Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, to abandon the strike and rely upon those who were all trying their best to secure relief for prisoners.

The front portion of the tableau depicts the replica of Cellular Jail and the way inmates were treated by the Jail Authority. The portion after this up to the middle showcases the abundant beauty of present day Andaman & Nicobar Islands, showing the undersea activities, sea beaches and tourism activities.

The rear portion depicts a part of Cellular Jail symbolically, and the inmates on hunger strike, a depiction of Gandhiji’s writing the telegram, content of which is shown there as well. 

The natural beauties of evergreen forests, sea, flora and fauna of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been showcased throughout the side panels of the tableau.