Role of youth dissected on Irabot's birth anniversay
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2012: A one-day leadership meet on the topic 'Role of Youth in Contemporary Manipur' was held today at DM College of Commerce as part of the commemorative function in honour of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot.

The leadership meet organised by the Joint Students Coordination Committee was moderated by AMWJU president A Mobi.

Addressing the gathering, Pandam president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar remarked that the willingness of youth to work for the society is a very encouraging move.

This was also the principle of Irabot.

That was why he started working for the society since a very young age.

For tackling any social issue, youth need to discuss the issue thoroughly before launching any mass movement.

Youth must be guided by a sense of nationalism before tackling any social issue.

Dilipkumar also highlighted the importance of coordination and unity among the people while pursuing any demand of common interest.

Leadership meet underway

Social activist Konjengbam Chinglenkhomba observed that atrocities and harassment of mankind by fellow privileged sections went on in the society even though India is supposed to be a democratic country.

Irabot was against any form of exploitation of mankind and he led a number of movements against exploitation of fellow beings.

But exploitation of mankind continues even today.

There are many similarities between students' movement of today and Irabot's movement of the past.

As such, student bodies need to stand united and struggle collectively, Chinglenkhomba said.

By following the footsteps of Irabot, students can certainly bring about the desired changes in the society.

Dr Arambam Lokendrajit remarked that there would be no end to the discourse about Irabot's activities and ideals.

It was the leadership of Irabot which awakened the people of Manipur.

Irabot was the lone leader of the mass who stood and fought bravely against racial discrimination and exploitation of mankind.

Whatever social movement launched by students today would be successful provided there is unity and commitment.

Like what Irabot wished, today's generation should stand united and struggle collectively.

COHR advisor Phulindro Konsam exhorted youngsters to start working for the society from a young age just like Irabot did.

He also lamented many youths are ruining themselves by abusing drugs.

Life Watch president Araba Angomcha said that students need to fight for the human rights which are being denied to the people of Manipur.

At the same time, they should work with dedication to make Manipur self-reliant.

The gathering culminated with the an open discussion session between students and the presidium members.