NE development integral to India's growth story : VP
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Imphal, May 03 2023: On his maiden visit to the State, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that the Government of India's policy 'Act East', upgraded from the 'Look East' policy has given an impetus to the North Eastern region and made way for its overall development.

He said North-East development is integral to India's growth story.

Dhankhar visited Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal and addressed the students and teachers and later, attended a programme at Manipur University, Canchipur.

Speaking at Dhanamanjuri University, Dhankhar observed that the infrastructure in the North-Eastern region is fast improving, referring to upgraded rail connectivity, increase in the number of airports, among other initiatives.

NE development integral to India's growth story : VP

He said the North-Eastern culture, diversity, dances, and natural vegetation are unparalleled in the world.

The Vice President said Manipur is strategically located and is famous for its beauty in diversity, art and culture, sports and many other fields.

He said Manipur is home of polo and there has been a remarkable impact in the field of sports as the State has produced a number of sportspersons who have contributed significantly for the country.

"I am touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Manipuri people and that it is evident from the high happiness index of the people," he added.

Saying that students are foot soldiers of 2047, the Vice President said students must not only dream of big ideas but also pursue them to make them into reality, making use of the avenues for growth and become job creators rather than job seekers.

He said the National Educational Policy - 2020 is a visionary document and a game changer as it envisions that education should not be limited to a degree but should result in improving skills and instilling values.

Addressing students at Manipur University, the Vice President encouraged them to experiment with their various ideas.

He said 'fear is the biggest killer of innovation' and they should implement their dreams.

The Vice President observed that the world is looking at India's growth, which is best exemplified through its thriving startup ecosystem.

He said India is now looked at as a land of opportunity and every investor in the world is focusing more on India because of its rich human resources and increasingly transparent governance.

He called upon the students to always keep the Nation first and take pride in its achievements.

At Dhanamanjuri University, Governor Anusuiya Uikey thanked the Vice President and his wife for coming to Manipur and stressed on the significance of the NEP 2020 .

Speaking at the interaction programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh thanked the VP for his visit and said the youth of the Nation have the power to shape their destiny and future of the society.

He said, as India sets upon itself a vision to become a developed country by 2047, participation and engagement of youth is critical towards realizing this vision.

To strengthen the education system in Manipur, various steps have been taken up by the State Government, he said and also stressed on the various development initiatives taken up by his Government.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Education Minister Th Basanta Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dhanamanjuri University Prof N Rajmuhon Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof N Lokendra Singh were present at these events.