Drug Affairs Unit launched as MSF celebrates its 22nd foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2020: The Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), launched its 'Drug Affairs' wing on its 22nd foundation day celebrated today at its head office at Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai.

The foundation day celebration programme was graced by the Chairman of Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), Dr Lamabam Mahendra; president of Poirei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba Manipur, Ima Longjam Memchoubi; president of All Manipur United Club's Organisation (AMUCO), Pheiroijam Nando Luwang and Manipuri Students Federation's president, Sazad Bhuiyamayum as presidium members.

Speaking at the event, MSF president, Sazad Bhuiyamayum highlighted that the student body was formed in the year 1998 to help reform the retrogating educational system in the State and push it forward.

Though the body was floated to look after the condition of educational standard, it has been actively involved in fighting injustices, wrongdoings and other issues pertaining to the State from time to time and has the courage to sacrifice for the sake of the State, he said.

Saying that MSF has been pressing for change and inclusion of valuable chapters related to State in the school and college curricula since its formation, Sazad welcomed the 'positive' aspects of the New Education Policy introduced by the Centre but at the same time expressed concern over the same policy which apparently 'ignores' respective regional values and situation.

All concerned should therefore work to ensure syllabi dedicated to various aspects of the State are discussed and included when there is still time, he continued.

The idea of opening a "Drug Affairs branch/unit" was conceived considering the drug menace which is plaguing the State for a very long time, he said while adding that a committee will soon be formed to look after the issue which is affecting the students and the society at large.

The committee will function strictly by consulting with experts and contribute its best to uproot drug abuse, he continued.

Speaking at the occasion, COHSEM's Chairman, Lamabam Mahendra said that the State will develop only when the education system in the State is developed.

Therefore everyone has an immense role to play in realising and advancing the state of educational system, he said.

He however contended that the New Education Policy has been 'wrongly' interpreted by many in the State.

The new policy is actually filled with many opportunities and will tremendously help in enriching the education system in the country, he said.

There are many positive features under this new policy including minimising of expenses to those who are intending to continue education abroad, expansion of job opportunities and others, he continued while adding that many positive aspects of the policy are required to be disseminated to the mass to take full advantage of it.

AMUCO's president Nando Luwang also stressed on the role of students and student bodies in driving the State towards the path of development.

Students need to widen their vision and join hands in fighting evil issues which are overwhelming the State, he said.

He also denounced the 'ugly' political developments in the State amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Ima Memchoubi on the other hand stressed on the importance of introducing measures to restrict excessive usage of mobile phones by young students in the State as mobile phone addiction is becoming a 'bigger' concern.

A two minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the deceased members of the body (MSF) during the function which also saw release of a commemorative souvenir.

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