If the Andaman & Nicobar Islands had a hall of recognition for homegrown enterprise, Tanveer and Jaikar Singh would find a well-earned place there, two brothers carrying forward a respected family legacy while steering it into new and promising directions. Born into a business family firmly anchored in the islands, they were exposed early to the workings of trade, service, and community life. Their family once owned the landmark Shompen Hotel, one of the earliest business-class hotels in the islands, giving them first-hand insight into the nuances of hospitality long before they officially joined the industry.

Educated at Carmel School, they grew up with an understanding of the islands’ social and economic fabric, eventually leaving for the mainland to pursue higher studies. Those years away were not just about academic degrees, they also brought broader exposure to markets, systems, and professional cultures that would later inform their approach to running businesses back home.

On their return, they did not merely step into existing roles, they set about strengthening and diversifying the family’s ventures. Today, they are at the helm of some of the islands’ most recognisable brands: Symphony Resorts (Samudra, Palms, and Summer Sands), Singhotel, and the Tanishq jewellery franchise. Their work spans high-end hospitality, retail, and lifestyle, with a focus on consistent quality and guest experience.

Running a business in the islands, they note, comes with its own unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to logistical delays, but these have shaped their ability to adapt quickly and maintain high standards. This resilience also informs their wider perspective on the islands’ development. While tourism and hospitality remain strong, they are concerned about the limited progress in education-to-employment pathways for local youth.

“Talent exists here,” they point out, “but there’s often a gap between academic learning and the practical skills industries require.” This gap, they explain, is one reason many island businesses are compelled to bring in skilled workers from the mainland, a decision driven by necessity rather than preference.

Their vision for change centres on creating structured connections between education and industry. They advocate for mentorship programmes, apprenticeships, and partnerships with institutions such as the Government Polytechnic College, enabling students to gain real-world exposure before entering the job market. They believe such initiatives would not only prepare local youth for existing opportunities but also encourage them to build long-term careers within the islands.

Looking ahead, they also see untapped potential in high-value agriculture, particularly in producing herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits that can supply both resort kitchens and export markets. They believe that expanding local production in such sectors could enhance the islands’ self-sufficiency and create new income streams.

Both brothers are equally vocal about ensuring that locals have fair access to jobs in the industries that define the Andaman economy. They emphasise a balanced approach, welcoming outside expertise when necessary, but also prioritising the growth and retention of homegrown talent.

For Tanveer and Jaikar Singh, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are more than the location of their businesses, they are the foundation of their vision for sustainable growth. Every step they take, whether in hospitality or new ventures, is tied to the idea that the islands’ future should be shaped by those who know them best.