Mail News Service
Imphal, Apr 20: The Red Shield Division conducted a symposium at Senapati today that was aimed at bringing out innovative ideas and aspirations of the youth towards the future of Manipur. The thought-provoking topic of the symposium was “Manipur – the jewel of India, the land of unique combination of culture and traditions, the State with an abundance of potential and resources – what is impeding development in our great state of India ? “. A lively discussion was generated with interesting opinions voiced by all participants. In order to encourage divergent views on the subject, the organisers invited young representatives from all over the State that included two participants each from the Naga, Kuki, Meitei, Nepali and Zeliangrong communities.
The keynote address was delivered by Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, GOC, Red Shield Division. The General opened his address with a reference to the words of the late Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru by christening Manipur as the ‘Jewel of India’. Maj Gen Poonnen then brought out that despite recent turmoil, democracy had emerged victorious in the State. The people had openly defied coercive pressures and voted in favour of development and progress. He brought out that the time was now right for peace and prosperity to prevail and pervade by leaps and bounds. Each participant delivered a passionate speech to convince the gathering about his/her perception on the aspects of development of Manipur as perceived by his/her tribe/community. The packed house listened with rapt attention as each speaker voiced his opinion.
The organisers made painstaking efforts to assemble a distinguished yet relevant panel of observers to judge the event. Prominent panellists included Mr Ranjan Yumnam, Under Secretary (Home), Mr KT Vaiphei, IGP (Int), Mrs Grace Shatsang (Social Activist), Dr E Bijoy Kumar Singh (Professor, Economics Department, Manipur University) and Mr Haokholet Kipgen (Politician and Social Activist). The declamations of the participants were followed by expert opinions made by the panellists.
In his concluding remarks, Maj Gen Poonnen said that it was most encouraging to see the will and vim of younger generation to live together and prosper. He expressed that all views given out by every single participant had one common undertone – peace and development. The General further remarked that self-respect, self-esteem and a strong value system run deep within the Manipuri society. These deep-rooted values will propel Manipur towards a brighter future.
Towards the end, all participants were presented with gifts and mementos. The speakers were presented with certificates from the Red Shield Division commending their participation. The first prize was awarded to Mr John Phunganlung Gonmei of Tamenglong while Ms Gaibamjuanliu Kahmei also of Tamenglong was the first runner-up. Ms Hoirose Sithlou of Motbung and Ms Caroline Vaveishorou Pouhaina of Senapati were the joint second runners up.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/red-shield-division-conducts-symposium-on-development-in-manipur/
