2nd Annual School Meet, 2009 begins
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 26 2009:
Governor of Manipur, Gurbachan Jagat has voiced serious concern over the present closure of schools by some student organisations, and said that no disturbance should be given to the students in their studies for parochial interest.
The Governor was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd School Meet, 2009 held this morning at Khuman Lampak main stadium under the aegis of the Department of Education, Government of Manipur.
Over 800 students from different schools across Manipur took part in the inaugural ceremony.
Governor Gurbachan Jagat, who graced the ceremony as chief guest, said that students should not be involved in any form of activities which would affect their studies and future career, and advised them not to indulge in activites that hinder education of the students.
He appealed to all sections concerned to allow them to study without any hindrance.
Any form of violence should be shunned, the Governor said adding that violence cannot bring any lasting solution.
Solution can be brought about only through talks at the table, he said.
The Governor also praised the organisers for organising the meet, and said, "In a trouble-torn society like ours, games and sports and other soft skills can play a valuable role in easing tension and chaotic situation".
He said, "Sports�be it a team or an individual item, promote mental and physical ability of the youth, besides nurturing character and discipline in them.
Without character and discipline, no society can move towards progress and prosperity.
Therefore, we all should always encourage and support any sports movement".
Acknowledging the "well-know fact that the youths of Manipur have tremendous potential in the field of games and sports," Governor Jagat said, "It's a matter of pride for all the people of Manipur that the state has produced the winner of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest sports award of the country, Arjuna Awardees, and a good number of players in various disciplines of games and sports in both national and international level".
"I am confident that the organisation of the 2nd School Meet, 2009 will go a long way in strengthening the unity and integrity of the state, besides providing to the participating students an opportunity in projecting hidden talents in their respective fields," he said.
Education Minister, L Jayentakumar who presided over the inaugural ceremony said, there can not be any sensible person who will not agree to the suggestion that the students should be allowed to study without any hindrance.
Knowing fully well that missing an academic session will delay Manipur one year in the path to global development, Minister Jayentakumar appealed to the students to go to school and the parents and guardians to send their wards to school daily.
He once again appealed to the student bodies to review the class boycott stir and allow resuming class at schools.
PHE, IPR and Tourism Minister TN Haokip, who was the guest of honour, denounced the move to close schools by "a few thoughtless persons".
Schools are the industries from where world class citizens are produced, Minister Haokip said and appealed to the students to go to school.
The School Meet, an annual event organised by the Department of School Education includes programmes of interaction between important personalities and the participating students, and cultural events like songs/dance, and also competitions in various disciplines of games and sports.