MU Convocation held amidst students' protest
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 17 2012: The 13th convocation of Manipur University was held at the Centenary Hall of the University today even as a section of its students demonstrated over what they term as 'dirty politics' in the University.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the Convocation ceremony, Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union Minister of State (i/c) DoNER, who is also the Chairman of NEC, said that Manipur University has grown in stature over the years.

Its products, not only in terms of number of graduates, but also in terms of its services to the States have been valued by the society.

While congratulating the current as well as the past leadership and faculty of the University for making what it is today, the DoNER Minister, however, expressed serious concern over migration of a large number of students from North East to other parts of the country every year for education purposes and said that "we need to take corrective action and reverse the flow of students" .

Education Minister M Okendro giving away certificate to successful student during the 13th convocation of Manipur University

He observed that the duties and responsibilities of Universities have grown in dimension and scope, but the fundamental remains unaltered.

These fundamentals are of permanent value and of perennial interest.

Moirangthem Okendro, Minister of Education, Government of Manipur, who was Guest of Honour of the ceremony, contended that the rate of migration of Manipuri students outside for further education has drastically decreased.

At this juncture, the Manipur University, which is being considered as the one of the highest educational institutions, should be made to flourish at its best, thereby producing students on par with other students from big universities.

The function was presided over by Dilip M Nachane, Chancellor of Manipur University.

Dr T Meinya, MP; Prof H Nandakumar Sharma, VC, Manipur University; Dean of School of Life Science, School of Human Environment Sciences, Social Sciences, professors and students were also present on the occasion.

During the course of the convocation function, a section of the students of the University protested alleging that the authority of the institute deliberately spoiled the image of a student who was declared first in the exam, but was later placed in the second rank.

The demonstrators, with placards in their hands blocked the road inside the University.

The student protestors also demanded revival of Manipur University Students' Union saying that the absence of the students' union has led to the prevalence of dirty politics in the university.

Since the road was blocked at the front gate of the University, the DoNER Minister, MU Chancellor and other top officials of the University were compelled to leave the institute through the rear gate.