Shrilla Elangbam conferred Governor's Award, 2013
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 10 2013: Presentation of Governor's Award, 2013 and Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Award, 2013 to individuals for excellence in the field of education, sports, social work and outstanding physically challenged persons was held at Asha Jina Complex, North AOC here today.

The function was graced by Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishang and Chandak AK, First Lady of Manipur and Nagaland as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

During the award presentation ceremony, Shrilla Elangbam, who is studying in class XI (Science)in RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, Haotal Pangei was felicitated with the Governor's Award for the year 2013.She was given a certificate along with cash prize of Rs 15,000 for her excellence in academic and co-curricular activities.

This year, ten individuals were selected for presenting the RK Sanatombi Award, 2013 in appreciation of their outstanding performance in the field of Education, Sport and Traffic Police.

The award was given in the form of certificate and cash award.

First Lady of the State Chandak AK lighting the inaugural lamp as Governor Ashwani and MP Rishang looks on

Miranda Mongbijam was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5000 for securing first position in the HSLC examination, 2013 conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur. IN the field of teaching, Salam Baruni Singh, Asst Teacher in 13 Assam Rifles High School, Somsai, Ukhrul and Nurjahan Begum, Headmistress of Makhapat Government School, Naharup, Imphal East district were honoured with the award.

Among outstanding sportspersons, Wanglembam Thoibi of Kongba Uchekon, Imphal East in fencing; Soram Rani Devi of Wapokpi Kumbi, Bishnupur district in armwrestling); Thoudam Kalnapa Devi of Kakwa Makha Naorem Leikai, Imphal West in Judo, Potsangbam Bidyarani Devi of Bishnupur Bazar Ward no.9, Bishnupur district in wrestling, Tongbram Bidyalaxmi Devi of Singjamei Waikhom Leikai, Imphal West in cycling and L Joypriya Chanu of Khurai Heikru Makhong, Imphal East in Taekwondo were awarded.

Moreover, Huidrom Rasheshori Devi of Yumnam Huidrom village, Imphal West, who works in Imphal East Traffic Police, was awarded for her well sense of discipline while discharging duties as a traffic police.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar congratulated the awardees and stated that it is no easy task to climb the highest peak of the world or to stand first in the class and excel in sports.

It requires a lot of hard work, courage and dedication to make it to the top.

He further stated that the best way of changing people and transforming society is through education.

Trying to bring about change through the use of force, violence and through use of bullets and guns is not acceptable at all.

The changes brought through these means will not be lasting and will be only temporary.

He also expressed satisfaction over the report in newspapers that the State of Manipur has made tremendous progress in literacy rate, but also maintained that the State is still far behind many other States and countries.

The Governor pointed out the need to work much harder under the 'Saakshar Bharat' programme to ensure that no one remains illiterate in Manipur.

We should implement the plans in earnestly and our target should be to make Manipur 100% literate in the next few years.

The Governor further stated "there are many individuals and institutions whose only task is to point out what is wrong with us and the society.

They specialize themselves in finding faults rather than finding the solutions.

And it is very fortunate for all of us here in Manipur to have certain individuals and institutions, like Padmashri Haridas Singh and his two daughters, Asha and Jina, who have been voluntarily doing the noble task of looking after the sick and educating the poor students" .

He also expressed concern over the declining quality and standard of the education in the State and assured to urge the Government of Manipur, Deputy Chief Minister and the MP to do the needful for improving the quality of education imparted in the schools and colleges of the State and added that "there is an immediate need to link our courses and curriculum with the issues of livelihood and employment; we need to lay greater emphasis on vocational education and finding avenues of livelihood and self employment for all the girls and boys passing out each year from our Schools, Colleges and Universities" .

Also speaking on the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur Rishang Keishing stressed the need to contribute to the society by all with whatever talents they possess.

"Hard work is important to be an outstanding person which in turn contributes immensely to the nation," he added.