I am happy to know that the state administration successfully conducted recently a major disaster management exercise across the islands. I am sure such exercises will enhance our disaster preparedness considerably. State islands lie at the important junction of South Asia and South East Asia. These islands are only a couple of hundred Kilometers from South East Asia. The location of a dedicated tri-service command highlights the strategic position of these islands from the view point of the defense of India. Further, around 30 percent of India's exclusive economic zone and concomitant marine resources are around these islands. These islands are not only the maritime gateway to the Bay of Bengal but also overlook major international sea routes. These islands have the potential to be a spring board for India's engagement with South East Asia and the pacific region. They can be developed as a significant trading, shipping and tourist hub. The location of Andaman’s a thousand miles away from the mainland and the fact that they are spread over 750 Kilometers in the Bay of Bengal has implications in terms of security, connectivity and supply of resources and materials. This in turn constrains economic growth and employment opportunities. I am aware of the steps beings taken by the administration to improve infrastructure and transport, such as, acquisition of new ships, expansion of air services and projects for telecommunication connectivity.The government of India will provide every support necessary to the people and administration of state in these efforts. Our goal has to be to promote sustainable and inclusive growth while being sensitive to the fragile eco system and concerns of our indigenous tribes. I am confident that all of you will be able to achieve this objective under the dynamic leadership of your elected representatives and officials of the administration. A special word to the extremely talented children and youth of state islands. You are our hope for the future. In a rapidly transforming world, you have tremendous potential and opportunity to be agents of change. Where there is a will, there is a way! With hard work, courage and adherence to principles, i am sure that you will be able to take the islands and our motherland to greater heights. I compliment the people of Port Blair, the Port Blair municipal council and the administration for their enchanting, clean and green town of Port Blair. I also thank all of you for your warm welcome. I am indeed touched by your affection. It is my privilege to be here today for the forty eighth convocation of the Indian statistical institute. It is a leading institution in our country for research, teaching and application of statistics, natural sciences and social sciences. I thank the institute for giving me this wonderful opportunity to address you on this happy occasion. The foundation of this unique institution was laid by professor, who was recognized for his pioneering work in applied statistics. He was also known for his economic development model that was followed in India’s second five year plan. In the nineteen hundred twenties, professor had a wonderful vision about the potential of statistics in creating a modern society. He correctly identified statistics as a key tool for the progress of science and technology. He sought to develop the statistical infrastructure in the country. In 1931, he set up in one room of the presidency college in Kolkata, a statistical laboratory. This path-breaking initiative taken more than eight decades back has now become a large institution. Today reckoned as a world class academic body in theoretical and applied statistics. I have fond memories of my association with when i chaired the institute’s council for eight years. I note with pride the immense contribution of this institute in the development of statistical theory and innovative applications. It has produced outstanding scientists, teachers, researchers, consultants, entrepreneurs, institution builders and other professionals. The quality of products is a telling evidence of the high standards of education imparted by it. The convocation day, today, marks the culmination of fruitful educational experience of yet another batch of students from this institute. On this occasion, i can see a palpable sense of joy and exhilaration in the students. Through the sweet pain of their labor, the graduating students have fulfilled their long-held dreams and that of their well-wishers. I congratulate all of you on your success and urge you to play a key role in deciding our country’s path of progress. You, the bright future of our nation, have the potential to think differently. Apply judiciously what you have learnt here to make a lasting contribution in the field that you have chosen to pursue. Statistics, as a discipline, finds wide application in society. I am happy to know that the state administration successfully conducted recently a major disaster management exercise across the islands. I am sure such exercises will enhance our disaster preparedness considerably. State islands lie at the important junction of South Asia and South East Asia. These islands are only a couple of hundred Kilometers from South East Asia. The location of a dedicated tri-service command highlights the strategic position of these islands from the view point of the defense of India. Further, around 30 percent of India's exclusive economic zone and concomitant marine resources are around these islands. These islands are not only the maritime gateway to the Bay of Bengal but also overlook major international sea routes. These islands have the potential to be a spring board for India's engagement with South East Asia and the pacific region. They can be developed as a significant trading, shipping and tourist hub. The location of Andaman’s a thousand miles away from the mainland and the fact that they are spread over 750 Kilometers in the Bay of Bengal has implications in terms of security, connectivity and supply of resources and materials. This in turn constrains economic growth and employment opportunities. I am aware of the steps beings taken by the administration to improve infrastructure and transport, such as, acquisition of new ships, expansion of air services and projects for telecommunication connectivity.The government of India will provide every support necessary to the people and administration of state in these efforts. Our goal has to be to promote sustainable and inclusive growth while being sensitive to the fragile eco system and concerns of our indigenous tribes. I am confident that all of you will be able to achieve this objective under the dynamic leadership of your elected representatives and officials of the administration. A special word to the extremely talented children and youth of state islands. You are our hope for the future. In a rapidly transforming world, you have tremendous potential and opportunity to be agents of change. Where there is a will, there is a way! With hard work, courage and adherence to principles, i am sure that you will be able to take the islands and our motherland to greater heights. I compliment the people of Port Blair, the Port Blair municipal council and the administration for their enchanting, clean and green town of Port Blair. I also thank all of you for your warm welcome. I am indeed touched by your affection. It is my privilege to be here today for the forty eighth convocation of the Indian statistical institute. It is a leading institution in our country for research, teaching and application of statistics, natural sciences and social sciences. I thank the institute for giving me this wonderful opportunity to address you on this happy occasion. The foundation of this unique institution was laid by professor, who was recognized for his pioneering work in applied statistics. He was also known for his economic development model that was followed in India’s second five year plan. In the nineteen hundred twenties, professor had a wonderful vision about the potential of statistics in creating a modern society. He correctly identified statistics as a key tool for the progress of science and technology. He sought to develop the statistical infrastructure in the country. In 1931, he set up in one room of the presidency college in Kolkata, a statistical laboratory. This path-breaking initiative taken more than eight decades back has now become a large institution. Today reckoned as a world class academic body in theoretical and applied statistics. I have fond memories of my association with when i chaired the institute’s council for eight years. I note with pride the immense contribution of this institute in the development of statistical theory and innovative applications. It has produced outstanding scientists, teachers, researchers, consultants, entrepreneurs, institution builders and other professionals. The quality of products is a telling evidence of the high standards of education imparted by it. The convocation day, today, marks the culmination of fruitful educational experience of yet another batch of students from this institute. On this occasion, i can see a palpable sense of joy and exhilaration in the students. Through the sweet pain of their labor, the graduating students have fulfilled their long-held dreams and that of their well-wishers. I congratulate all of you on your success and urge you to play a key role in deciding our country’s path of progress. You, the bright future of our nation, have the potential to think differently. Apply judiciously what you have learnt here to make a lasting contribution in the field that you have chosen to pursue. Statistics, as a discipline, finds wide application in society. Submit