Imphal, December 05: As in other parts of the world, International Volunteers' Day, 2006 was observed in Manipur today by various organisations all over the State.

In accordance to a resolution taken by the United National General Assembly in 1985, December 5 every year is being observed as International Volunteers' Day in recognition of the role and sacrifices of the volunteers in the society.

The 20th International Volunteers Day, 2006 observance function organised under the theme of 'Volunteers in economic and social development' by All Manipur NGOs' Forum at its Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal conference function was attended by MLA of Keishamthong A/C L Ibomcha and News editor of ISTV K Madhumangol as chief guest and president respectively.

After the inaugurating the function with lighting of the ceremonial lamp, the chief guest and the president led the people in paying homage to unknown and late volunteers by offering floral tributes to them.

In his address as chief guest of the function, L Ibomcha said the significance of the day can be known from studying the underlining meaning behind its observance.

Even in this tiny State, volunteers have been playing no mean role taking up various social problems and issues like environmental degradation, drugs, AIDS and human rights violation.

When countries all over the world are striving today to bring about social change and development, there is the need to strengthen and empower volunteers in Manipur as well.

It is fact that is known the world over that any society which is devoid of volunteers' movement can never move ahead in the path of development.

So in the interest of development of the society, there is the need to promote the movement of volunteers in Manipur as well, he observed.

In his presidential address, Madhumangol said volunteers whether in other parts of the world or in Manipur, who have been contributing their mite for the development of the society with a sense of sacrifice should be encouraged apart from recognising them.

In the technical session of the observance function held in the afternoon, retired dean of Manipur University Prof N Mohendro presented paper on the topic of 'Sustainable economic development in Manipur', member secretary of Manipur State Medicinal Plants Board Dr A Guneshore Sharma on the topic of 'Scope and prospect of medicinal plants in Manipur and consortium of Manipur SFAC Mohendro Khaidem on the topic of 'NGOs and agri-business co-ordination'.

Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal; Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, New Delhi jointly organised the International Volunteers' Day observance function at Blind Home, Takyelpat.

A social service programme was also conducted in and around the complexes of Blind Home and Sport Authority of India (SAI).

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