MUC sets goal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12 2022: Manipur University of Culture (MUC) Vice Chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro has said that the university has set a goal of making itself a hub for cultural studies in South East Asia as and when the Act East Policy is fully materialized.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 7 th foundation day celebration of Manipur University of Culture held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.

Claiming that there are many similarities and close connection between the cultures of Manipur and South East Asia, the Vice Chancellor observed that the same varsity could be a main hub for cultural studies in South East Asia in view of its proximity to the region.

He added that the prominence of Manipur in terms of art and culture in the world would be a big bonus in the efforts to make MUC a cultural hub in South East Asia.

Gunindro also informed that many Manipuris from Bangladesh, Assam and Tripura have already started learning about Manipuri cultures in the university at present.

Stating that Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, Majuli University, Majuli and MUC, Imphal are the only three State cultural universities listed by a survey conducted in June this year among the top 455 State-run universities in the country, Gunindro maintained that the MUC is even more advanced than the other two cultural universities in terms of progress.

He maintained that the MUC authority has been planning to open its PhD course soon besides producing the 1st MA batch this year.

So far, 11 disciplines including dance, music, Thang-ta, Manipuri literature, language and tribal studies have been opened in the same varsity although' it is plagued by fund constraints and shortage of infrastructure, Prof Gunindro said.

The Vice Chancellor conveyed that the number of students applying for different courses in MUC in this academic year has doubled as compared to the last academic session.

He asserted that preservation and promotion of Manipuri culture and traditions would progress rapidly once the cultural university becomes fully functional and all its requirements are fulfilled.

Gunindro said that construction works have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic even though other processes including allotment of a land measuring 118 acres had been already completed.

He added that he and other authorities concerned are pursuing the Central Government to sanction funds for starting the construction works at the earliest.

The Vice Chancellor also informed that the State Government has arranged a temporary campus in Imphal East district on lease to conduct classes until MUC can set up its own campus.

MUC Registrar L Radhakanta, Chief Librarian Th Khomdon, Controller in-charge of Examination L Devendrajit Sharma, Finance Officer S Geetmala and Deputy Registrar Dr L Surjit also attended the function as the president and guests of honour respectively.

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