Manipur students' meet in Delhi

Gin Gangte

It was a grand day for the Manipuri students in Delhi. The occasion was the much awaited Freshers’ Social Meet, organised by the Manipur Students’ Association. The day-long celebration was graced by O. Nabakishore Singh IAS, Director (Marketing), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Govt. of India and Ms. Maria Mangte, general secetary of Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal People (ICITP) as the chief guest and president respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest exhorted the students to fully exploit the opportunities and facilities available to them. Talking about the present day educational standard, he said that this is the age of information, adding "a person lacking in necessary information loses opportunity". He reminded the gathering students to be aware of what is going on in the world. He also recalled his college days in Delhi during the late 70s and early 80s. He wished the students all the best in their future endeavours.

Ms. Maria speaking on the occasion, expressed her heartfelt thanks on her being chosen the among the dignitaries. She emphasised that one must be clear in one’s chalking one’s future course. Dwelling at length on the importance and relevant of education, she said that "Knowledge is the only source of power". However, she regretted that today’s students lack motivation and determination to learn. "Education has rather become a fashion", said the lady in a lighter vein.

Initially, the crowd was thin but as the programme progressed the gathering began to swell in number.The function began with a traditional Manipuri song presented by the PAC group. One of the features of the function was the two-minute silence observed in memory of those killed in the communal violence in the State. It may be pointed out that, Manipur has in recent years become a killing fields with one community fighting against the other. More than 1000-odd innocent people lost their life for no crime of theirs in the ethnic clashes in the State.

As a part of the programme, about 40 freshers came forward to introduce themselves. Strange enough, there was only one tribal boy among the freshers. They were later interviewed by the host and hostess with questions ranging from student life to ‘use your brain’ et al.

Manipur Students’ Association, Delhi was established in 1971 with the aim of fostering the spirit of brotherhood among one another.