Lakshadweep book: 'The Tide will Rise'

  •   Mon, Apr 06 2026
  •   By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

April 6, 2026

Mangalore (Old South Kanara) and Lakshadweep Islands (formerly Lakadives) have an ancient historic link unknown to many perhaps. Till early 1950s these islands, gems in the Arabian Sea, were administratively attached to British South Kanara of Madras Presidency; later they became a Union Territory, with Kavaratti Island as its HQ and Administration offices at Kochi, a trade office functions at Bunder Mangaluru. Not only close cultural and trade connections existed but, most islands depended on Mangalore for essentials, education, medical care and more. Recall the past MP of the Lakshadweep P M Saeed saying he was educated at Government College (Now University College) in Hampankatta, Mangalore, and spoke Kannada/Tulu. In recent years there is a sea of changing over all aspects connecting these islands. With development, communication, education and GenZ clamouring for 21st century outlook matters are far from what they were and Government is out to take all advantage with reforms creating chaos and dissatisfaction and revolutionary changes taking over without care. The question is with much politics and lobbying, will Mangalore, most of which has shown little interest, be really able to capture the trend with Lakshadweep that was, and very likely no positive hopes exist? This straight forward article, looks at the just released rare Book in English by author Nameed Ismail. "The Tide will Rise", this book will bring out new current perspectives and this article will give a much needed insight in to the past and present. VEEZ Weekly readers are fortunate to get a view of the Lakshadweep Islands alongside this new book where some present unknown scenarios will surface.

The Book: "The Tide will Rise"

The Tide Will Rise In the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep Islands are more than a paradise - they are home, history, and heartbeat for generations of fishermen, coconut climbers, and dreamers. For Irshad, a 36-year-old from a poor island family, life once flowed with the rhythm of the sea and the steady income from his tourism job. But when sweeping political and economic changes crash over the islands - banning traditional foods, demolishing coastal shelters, seizing land, shutting dairies, and terminating thousands of jobs - Irshad is cast adrift with nothing but his will to survive. As the community faces poverty, social unrest, and the slow erosion of their rights, Irshad discovers that hope can be as powerful as the ocean itself. Through hardship and resistance, he learns that the tide, no matter how low, always finds a way to rise. A story of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a people bound by the sea, The Tide Will Rise is a gripping and inspirational tale of survival against all odds. In just 78 pages of excellent fictitious setting in the true backdrop of the modern evolving Island politics and culture, the author deliciously provides a taste of new developments. In 32 crisp gripping chapters, set in the capital Island 'Kavaratti', the future and crisis of these blue lagoon islands comes alive to know and savour. In what is referred to as the "Lakshadweep land Grab Scandal" of recent times this book will shine as a reference and timely understanding.

Just a few lines from the book to taste its delicacy and admire the quality, quote: "From this vantage, he could see the main harbour, a curved arm of stone protecting a handful of fishing boats and the big resort ferry. A large ship was anchored farther out than usual - a white and grey government vessel, its deck glinting under the new born sun. Something stirred uneasily in him. These days’ government ships brought more than supplies. They brought special force, new rules, and unfamiliar men from mainland. The island had been murmuring for weeks about a new Administrator - Pradeep Patel - sent with big promises and as the elders feared, bigger changes. Irshad had seen this before, in whispers and warnings. But, now, with the tall palms swaying beneath him and the horizon stretching endless in every direction, it felt closer, heavier....." Everyone who likes should have a quick read and know.

The Author: Nameed Ismail

Nameed Ismail is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and psychology counsellor from Lakshadweep whose work spans literature, business innovation, and human insight. After eight years of corporate leadership with IHCL, he returned to his island roots to pioneer Lakshadweep’s first dedicated fried chicken outlet and launch its first food delivery app—transforming the local food landscape through vision and enterprise. A third-generation creative voice, Nameed continues the legacy of his father, Kattupuram Bamban, the celebrated writer, actor, and drama director. Yet his own literary journey has rapidly gained international distinction. His novel The Tide Will Rise—a powerful work of contemporary literary fiction rooted in island life and resilience—has earned multiple global honours, including the Author Pen Award for Best Book in Literary Fiction (The Book Publications), Sueños Book of the Year (Fiction), and The Dickens Medal for Literary Excellence. Blending storytelling with deep psychological awareness, Nameed Ismail’s writing explores identity, community, and the emotional tides that shape human lives. Today, he stands as one of Lakshadweep’s emerging literary voices, uniting creativity, entrepreneurship, and counselling into a singular, inspiring journey.

The Lakshadweep Conundrum: Since the Govt made inroads and became more involved with Lakshadweep Islands in 2023, the island administration (union territory) moved in many ways to improve the connectivity between the mainlands. According to the officials, this is the first step and things will be easier for people of Lakshadweep to arrive in Mangaluru for several types of tourism including the Western Ghats eco-tourism, educational, health and recreation tourism in the mainland. Karnataka, on the mainland, and Lakshadweep share a common history since 1783 as it was Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan who protected the entry of mainland marauders into Lakshadweep Islands and prevented them from pillaging the island paradise.

The beautiful cluster of small islands, Lakshadweep is one of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty two sq km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4,200 sq km of lagoon is rich in marine wealth and coral formations. The heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of eco-tourism, the Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism, but the culture and peace of the local inhabitants is disturbed in many ways and mistrust is expanding. Many feel that in the last decade Lakshadweep is bewitched by many ills.

An early vessel ‘M V Aminidevi’ had set sail for Kadmatt Island in Lakshadweep Islands in 2010, there was also MV Lakshadweep and others on hire. "This had opened new horizons in tourism for Karnataka. Earlier this circuit was very lengthy for the people in the interior parts of Karnataka, but the new initiative will help high value tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Panaji, and Mumbai to use Mangaluru as a port of departure to Lakshadweep. The two islands of Minicoy and Kalpeni are closer to Kochi. At Kadmatt water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, diving, cruising and a combination of tourist activities including the local and world culinary attraction has been arranged. This is a match for similar activities near Mangalore available now. The authorities are hoping that the tourists from Bengaluru will take advantage of this facility. Earlier they had to go to Kochi. The IT and Business tourists can travel to Lakshadweep at a cost of Rs 5,000 per head on this ship. Personally aware of the wharf conditions where these vessels are berthed in Bundar or Old Port, it must be noted that the surroundings of this wharf area, as are most of this area, are very raw, anaesthetic and uncomfortable. Much is needed to spruce up and make tourist friendly the facilities, approach paths and surrounding of this anchorage - there is no way that what is seen now here can be tolerated any longer. Earlier, a cargo ship ‘Tipu Sultan’ was plying between the Islands and the mainland with a rare port call of miscellaneous vessels on adhoc basis. This route is stated to be one of the oldest in Indian maritime history. Recall in late 1960s and 70s there were 2 vessels serving the islands regularly; M V Lakadives, a very well cut vessel (Captained by Capt Johnson Boaz) and MV Rajalakshmi (Captained by Capt Nair), those were the days gone.

A view of the Lakshadweep: Tropical coral Islands have been a deep mystery through the ages attracting human attention for long. We in India are a fortunate lot, blessed with the Andamans & Nicobar group off the East Coast, and very close to the West Coast the lesser known coral emeralds like LAKSHADWEEP! The west coast North Kerala and Kanara have always had a close association with Lakshadweep historically. Ancient mariners did not have the means to count these coral atolls in the Arabian Sea and they were referred to as 'LAKSHA DWEEPA', or 'innumerable islands'. Presently Lakshadweep is the tiniest Union Territory (UT) of India. The total charted islands number 24, additionally there are at least nine submerged sand banks and coral reefs in the atoll. Eleven of the islands are permanently inhabited; the combined population in 2001 was put at 60,700. The clear island area is 32 sq.km. The ethnic character of the inhabitants is Afro-Arabian, the Islanders generally profess Islam - Shafi school of the Sunni sect. The mother tongue of the inhabitants is the type of Malayalam heard in North Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, (akin to the mopalla speak) to some extent Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha) is also spoken. History proves that these islands have had an age-old association and link with coastal Karnataka and Kanara, particularly undivided South Kanara, which in spite of no encouragement can still be found.


Exceptionally, the Southernmost Island of present Lakshadweep islands is Minicoy. This Minicoy Island, in all its features is practically a part of the Maldives group, the inhabitants speak, Mahal - a primitive form of singalese, and write in the Dhivehi script, dress and culture too are similar to the Maldives. It came into Indian possession from British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1956, and for some time thereafter too political uncertainty was experienced. Mangalore used to serve as the seat of administration for the islands pre 1950s. The headquarters of the UT of Lakshadweep is the Island of Kavaratti. In recent times much is planned to promote tourism and develop it into another great ecology and leisure spot. One can travel to the Islands after obtaining permission from the Lakshadweep Administrator's office now at Kochi, by Ship or plane. Indian services provide services as per schedule. In the Lakshadweep, the one airstrip at Agatti Island, some airlines have scheduled flights connecting Chennai/Bangalore, Kochi - others too can be expected to be included soon. From Agatti, inter island speed boat and helicopter services are available selectively. The mainland/island ship services have basic facilities for short travel. (Please refer to www.lakshadweep.nic for relevant detailed information). In the near future great changes are forecast by weather scientists, detrimental to the coral formations in the Arabian Sea, which could gradually submerge the islands. The main hazard causing this is the Global warming phenomena which needs care and attention from all people around the world.

Recent years have seen great strides driven by modern technology. From deep isolation to mobile, computer connectivity, satellite TV has brought in a revolution. The islands today have many types of vehicles, and machines making pollution a danger. Bangaram an uninhabited island, is equipped for International tourists. Just to give some idea of distances: (Kochi/Mangalore-in kms) to Kavaratti-350/346.Agatti-360/380.Minicoy-440/530. Currently an occasional sailing commences from Mangalore (Old Bunder). In view of the favourable travel for trade, education and health-care, there has been a constant demand from the public for better and regular arrangements of travel to and from Mangalore which has not seen even basic attention / improvement for long, many promises are on the cards but with no practical progress. Basic needs of the island population are arranged by civil supplies co-operatives and enterprising traders. Water sources are good, mainly shallow wells, of high salinity. Many have adopted what the British introduced over a century ago at the Minicoy Island Lighthouse - 'collect and preserve rain water'! In keeping with historical ties, Mangalore old port caters to supplies of all kinds, particularly construction needs of the islands, one can see contract sailing craft of all sizes manned by Tamil sailors being loaded at all times. This rare book highlights the greed of commercial and money centred leaders to grab rights that are the rights of local residents and culture; the future of these islands and its native inhabitants in the new world of electronics and AI is in danger. May Lakshadweep and its traditional inhabitants of the [peace-loving Islands always have the freedom and independence like all of INDIA to shape its own future.

 

 

 

 
By Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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Title: Lakshadweep book: 'The Tide will Rise'



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