LG Reiterates Administration’s commitment for Development Keeping the Ecology and Welfare of Tribes to the Fore

Port Blair, July 25: A novel titled “The Last Wave” authored by Shri Pankaj Sekhsaria was released by the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh, at a simple function at Raj Niwas here this afternoon. The book ‘The Last Wave’ is a story of lost love, but also of a culture, a community, an ecology poised on the sharp edge of time and history.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor agreed with the author’s perception that the Islands are one of the most fascinating places and adored by all the visitors. He reiterated the Administration’s commitment in carrying out all developmental activities, and pushing ahead all major projects keeping the ecology and the welfare of the tribal population to the fore.

Earlier, the author, Shri Pankaj Sekhsaria shared his views on the novel. He said that the fascinating aspects of the A&N Islands encouraged him to write the novel. He has penned this fictional tale, which offers lyrical insights into the pristine archipelago which is a tourist delight.

“The book is as much a story in the islands, as it is about the islands”, Pankaj Sekhsaria said speaking to Andaman Chronicle soon after the launch event “and it builds upon the rich history, geography and ecology of this extremely rich and diverse group of islands.”

Sekhsaria also said that the book has been very well received in the islands so far with many islanders already having read it and identifying with the story, the issues and the challenges the book highlights. Sekhsaria said he started writing the book in 2005 and it took him about two years to finish the first draft of the manuscript. It was his desire to go beyond the standard image and narrative of the islands that prompted him to try a novel that brings together various diverse elements into the thread of a single story.

“The islands are known either for the Cellular Jail, as a place for tourism or for the controversies surrounding the Jarawa community” Sekhsaria pointed out adding that while these were all important “there is also much else about the islands that is also important and fascinating. The effort in The Last Wave has been to weave all of it into one narrative whether is the Karen and Ranchi communities, the role of the islands in World War II, the survival challenges of the settlers as much as that of the Jarawas, of the forestry operations or the turtles and crocodiles that are found here.”

He also added that it was his hope that the book would be widely read in the islands and that he also looked forward to interactions and discussions on the book, particularly with the people who live here.

Pankaj Sekhsaria is an author, researcher, writer, photographer, campaigner and academic. He has travelled extensively in the Islands for nearly 20 years as part of his work with the environment action group ‘Kalpavriksh’.  He is currently writing up his doctoral thesis on the Cultures of Innovation in Nanotechnology Research for Development in India.