'Youth empowerment vital for society'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 28 2013: A one-day national seminar on "Youth for Social Change" was organized jointly by NSS Cell, Manipur University and Azim Premji University, Banglore at the Court Hall of Manipur University, Canchipur here today.

The inaugural function of the seminar was attended by Vice-Chancellor of Manipur Prof H Nandakumar Sarma as Chief Guest and Registrar of Manipur University Prof N Lokendra as President, while Dean, School of Social Sciences, Manipur University Prof E Bijoykumar and Prof Sankar Dutta of Azim Premji University attended as Special Guest and Key Note Speaker respectively.

one-day national seminar on 'Youth for Social Change'

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Nandakumar said that the youths must be empowered for a better and progressive society.

The youths are the backbone of the nation and they must be groomed to be responsible citizens.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) has been able to bring the youths together under a common platform and make them as abled citizens in the process of governance and nation building, he added.

The first technical session of the seminar was moderated by Prof Sankar Dutta of Azim Premji University during which Prof C J O'Brien of Department of English, Manipur University presented a paper on the topic "Youth and Social Change: An Insight" .

He said that young people belong to a dynamic group in society and they play a crucial role in positively transforming conflict situations and in building the foundations of a democratic and peaceful society.

This is documented in several statements and reports of governments, international intergovernmental organizations.

However, there is limited data to back up these statements which are more rhetorical than substantive.

The Indian youth and the youth of the millennium is socially responsible and moreover is working to see Indian attain the developed status, Prof O'Brien added.

Other paper presenters of the seminar were Dr Dhanabir Laishram of Indira Gandhi Tribal University on the topic "Youth and Contemporary Issues: Depoliticisation of Youths and its Impact in the Social Change", retired MCS officer KC Nanda on "Youth for social reforms", Bijoy Sankar Das on "Towards Social Change through Youth Power", Dr Kh Tomba of Manipur University on "Entrepreneurship: A Necessity or An Oppourtunity" .

The second session was moderated by Prof C J O'Brien of Department of English, Manipur University, in place of Prof N Lokendra of the University.

The speakers of the session were Prof Sankar Dutta on "Issues in Social Change: Role of Youth", Prof N Rajmohon on "Inspiring Youths for Social Change", Prof Porag Shom on "Social Change and Youths" and S Bhubon on "Youth for Social Change: Perspective in Peace and Development" .