International seminar on 'Defining Global Manipuri Community: Diaspora Perspectives' held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2022: The Department of Dance & Music, Manipur University under the aegis of UGC-STRIDE Component-I, UGC, New Delhi organized a 2-day International Seminar on 'Defining Global Manipuri Community: Diaspora Perspectives' on August 6 and 7.The inaugural function was graced by Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Professor N Lokendra Singh; Vice Chancellor of DM University, Professor N Rajmuhon Singh; Dean of School of Humanities, MU, Professor N Aruna Devi and Co-Convenor of the seminar, Dr Premlata Maisnam, Associate Professor & Head, Dept of Education, MU as the presidium members, said a statement by the organising committee.

Dr P Lilabati, Convenor & Project Co-ordinator of the UGC-STRIDE Project presented the welcome address as well as the concept note of the seminar where she conveyed the richness of Manipuri history, tradition and culture are manifested in the tradition of Manipuri Diaspora community in sustaining their Manipuri identity.

Professor N Rajmuhon Singh, acknowledged the effort of UGC-STRIDE Project and lauded the objective of the seminar which was to bring unity and integrity among Manipuri Diaspora community and to bring in constructive debates in the sustenance of Manipuri community.

Speaking as the chief guest, Professor N Lokendra Singh stressed on the inevitable and general nature of human migration where human movement is universal and global, attributed to various factors, be it war, trade, matrimonial alliances, diplomatic or political alliances etc.

He went on to describe the settlement process, past and present of Manipuri Diaspora Settlement abroad.

Considering the shrinking nature of the community, he asserts that number is the key and therefore the importance to expand the population of both Manipuris residing outside and at Manipur.

After the inaugural function, a technical session was held where many resource persons spoke on different relevant topics of the seminar.

It may be noted that UGC-STRIDE: Scheme of Trans-disciplinary Research for India's Developing Economy aims to promote innovative culture of trans-disciplinary, national and international collaborative research culture especially in universities and colleges.

The objective of the project is to strengthen national and international collaborative trans-disciplinary research culture in universities and colleges, added the statement.

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