Seven day long Mai-Own exhibition concludes
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 22 2021: The seven day long exhibition "Mai-Own 2021" ended today with Chief Minister N Biren Singh gracing the closing ceremony as chief guest.

The exhibition, under the theme "From our courtyards to the World", which began on March 16 showcased World-ready products from all corners of Manipur.

The closing ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, MLA Nahakpam Indrajit, Chairman, Manipur Development Society M Asnikumar and Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar among others.

Addressing the gathering, N Biren said, "the State has begun to revive the status of once called "Sanaleibak" where there was close bonding between the hill and the valley peoples with surplus products of our own" .

Seven day long Mai-Own exhibition concludes

The State is moving towards development, he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that the exhibition had been organised to provide exposure to the hidden talents of the youths of Manipur, who had been facing certain constraints in highlighting their innovative ideas and products.

Reiterating many packaged food products are being brought in from Myanmar side whose hygienic status is questionable, he added that the Government would provide any assistance to the entrepreneurs coming up with our old and indigenous food products to substitute imports from outside the State.

He also expressed pride in being a Manipuri and an Indian because of the presence of many talented youths in the State and added that the State has no scarcity of human resources in every sector or field.

Stating that production, value addition and marketing are important for sustaining a business, he assured that the Government would provide any assistance to talented entrepreneurs with innovative ideas as a step to make the State self reliant and self sufficient under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

He also assured to provide assistance even to talented Government employees so that they too could contribute more to the State's economic development with their innovative products.

He appreciated all the Government Departments and its officials, Organising Committee and the participants of the Mai-Own 2021 for their contribution to the exhibition.

He appealed to the entrepreneurs to bring up their products in large numbers so that they could be utilized throughout the State.

Delivering his presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar said that Manipur and its people had been known for their culture, traditions and talents in many fields.

However, the State hadn't been able to showcase it due to less exposure.

He appreciated the initiatives of Chief Minister N Biren for providing opportunities and platform to talented entrepreneurs, to showcase their innovative ideas and products.

Stating that certain products of the State are in high demand in other States, he appealed to the entrepreneurs to put in more effort and produce their items in large quantities so that the products could be exported outside the State.

The Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners of different Stall categories.

Under the best District Stall in each Department category, District Agriculture Office cum PD, ATMA, Bishnupur bagged first position, Manipur Textiles Processing Institute, Handloom and Handicraft Department bagged second and Senapati VDVK, Forest Department bagged third position.

In Department category, Horticulture Department and Agriculture Department jointly came first, Sericulture Department second while DIPR and Police Department came third.

Under Entrepreneur Category, Synergy Sustainable Solution Pvt Ltd came first, St Stone Medical Devices Pvt Ltd second while The Spring Ladies Interior and Ingelei Paper and Print Pvt Ltd jointly bagged the third position.