Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 23, 2009:
Amidst the banned, the 23rd Manipur University Inter-College Youth Festival kicked off today at the centenary hall of the university.
Vice-Chancellor, prof C Amuba graced the inaugural function of the festival as chief guest which was presided over by Dean of Student Welfare, prof Th Ratankumar.
Dean of School of Humanist, prof S Sanatombi, president of the MU Teachers' Association, Dr L Ranjit and prof M Mani of the university attended as guest of honours.
When none of the organizers turned up to the venue well on time to the scheduled, some students enquired on the matter which confirmed that a meeting was held at the office of the Vice-Chancellor with regard to the postponement of the festival.
When reporters went to the office of the VC to know the truth behind the delay in the inaugural function, they were barred from entering the office but informed that a press statement will be dispatched later.
Later, a statement signed by the dean of students' welfare, prof Ratankumar was handed over to the reporters.
It the statement it was stated that the inaugural function will be held two hour delay from the schedule time.
Earlier, it was scheduled to start from 1.15 pm but the function was started from 3.15 pm.
The cultural programme however cancelled.
When the VC arrived at the function venue, reporters throng in to invite his comment on the differing of the function, he instead of giving reply, he showed his anguish to the reporters.
After then, the VC unfurled the festival flag to mark the opening the festival.
Delivering his speech, VC, prof C Amuba announced that the authority has decided to hold the festival as per scheduled considering the forthcoming Eastern Zone University Youth Festival to be held from December 2 to 5 host by the MU and national level festival to be held to be host be the Punjab University.
He also said that there were pressures from various students' bodies and other to postpone the festival which MU authority discussed at several occasion but due to time constraints, it was resolved to hold the festival as per schedule, the VC added.