Port Blair, Dec. 11: The four day training programme –cum -workshop for Tourists Guides being organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture, A&N Administration was inaugurated today by Shri Rakesh Bali, Secretary (Art & Culture), A&N Administration in the premises of National Memorial Cellular Jail. Speaking as the Chief Guest, he said that this training programme is an eye -opener and a wonderful opportunity for prospective tourists Guides. Shri GS Pandey, Shri M.A. Mujtaba ,Dr. J.D. Singh, Shri Francis Xavier, Shri Mukeshwar Lall and Ms Charu Sreedharan are Guest resource persons, besides Dr. Rashida Iqbal, Ms Lalita and Ms Kuldeep Kaur –officials of the department. These historians and experts will impart training to the prospective Tourist Guides on history and culture of the islands in relation to India, personality development and communication skill. Earlier, Shri Lucas Robert, Director (Art &Culture) welcomed the guests and participants.

The programme will also include heritage walk to different historical locations to obtain first-hand information. The objective behind conducting such a training programme is to facilitate interested Tourist Guides with updated information on the history and culture of the islands and to encourage unemployed youth of the islands to take this up as a profession. 35 eager participants are enjoying the benefit of this programme.