The Light of Andamans :: Issue 40 :: 29 Oct 2007*
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*Port Blair ASI gets auditorium & DNA lab*

By Staff Reporter

The DNA laboratory of the Anthropological Survey of India, Port Blair will
contribute in the studies towards prevention of genetic diseases besides
research work of the Anthropological aspect in Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
said Badal Kumar Das, Secretary (Culture) to Govt. of India, while
inaugurating the DNA Lab and the Auditorium in the ASI Complex near Port
Blair Telephone Exchange on October 22, 2007.
"The first outstation research centre is now a complete organisation with
regard to anthropological survey with the establishment of the DNA Lab and
the auditorium" continued Das. The Institution earlier known as 'Junglee
Office' in Port Blair is now a hub of 'celebration of diversity' and a place
that would 'contribute towards basic research of human beings' and 'deal
with both cultural and biological aspect of the islanders' said Badal Kumar
Das.
Delivering on the occasion Dr. VR Rao, Director ASI Kolkata said that
creation of facilities was one aspect but sustaining them and utilising the
same in a best way 'is a challenge'.
Dr. P Vijayachari, Director, Regional Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
detailed the importance of DNA studies in disease oriented research citing
examples of tuberculosis, leptospyrosis etc. and believed that the Lab will
help in finding out solutions for vexed public health problems of the
islands in collaboration with the Directorate of Health services of the A&N
Administration.
Dr. N Sadasivan, Director of Health Services also spoke on the occasion as
presiding officer during the function while A. Justin, the Superintending
Anthropologist, Port Blair ASI proposed vote of thanks.


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