Governor's, RK Sanatombi Devi Awards given away
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 10 2012: Presentation of Governor's Award, 2012 and Rajkumari Sanatombi Devi Award, 2012 to persons with excellence in the field of education, sports, social work and outstanding physically challenged persons was held at Asha Jina Complex, North AOC here today.

The function was graced by Governor Gurbachan Jagat, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

First Lady Kiran Jagat was also present on the occasion as Special Guest.

During the award presentation ceremony, Dianacy Ningthoujam, who is studying in class XI in RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya, Haotal Pangei was awarded the Governor's Award for the year 2012.She was given a certificate along with cash prize of Rs 15,000 for her excellence in academic and co-curricular activities.

This year, only seven individuals were selected in appreciation of their outstanding performance in the field of Education, Sport, Traffic Police and Physically Challenged Persons for presenting RK Sanatombi Award, 2012.The award was given in the form of certificate with cash award of Rs 5,000 each.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat giving away the awards

The seven RK Sanatombi Devi Award winners are Chandam Achouba of St Joseph's School, Sangaiprou, Imphal (HSLC Exam 2012 topper); Niangzavung, Asst Teacher of Phungkhothang Govt High School, Churachandpur (Teacher); Rk Rabika of Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai, Imphal West (Fencing); Sougrakpam Aruna of Irom Meijrao Maning Leikai, Impahl West (Arm wrestling); Tongbram Manorama of Patsoi Part II Awang Leikai (Cycling); Mayanglangbam Sumati of Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai (Physically Challenged) and Ngangom Manihal of Imphal East Traffic Police (Traffic Police) .

Speaking on the occasion, Gurbachan Jagat said that it is very disheartening to see the people of Punjab, who normally leave their state and go outside for education or job, never returning.

Likewise, it is very sad to see the people of Manipur leaving their state for higher studies with apprehension that they might not return back.

He further stated that it is due to the prevailing law and order situation in the state that people are seen going outside for further studies.

It would be a huge loss to the state if those persons leaving the state are not going to return back.

All those youths have been misguided should also come back to the right path and help in shaping a new and developed Manipur, the Governor added.

Acknowledging that Human Resource Development is vital to a nation's strength, progress and prosperity and education is one of its key elements, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said that the central purpose of education is to inculcate among the students the ability to think and apply the knowledge they acquire in class rooms in solving social problems.

"The responsibility of imparting knowledge and education rests with the teachers who are considered to be moral guardians, friends, philosophers and guides in moulding the character of the students", he observed.

He further pointed out that education should not only emphasize access to global knowledge, but should also uphold the richness of our culture and values, supported by the time honoured and eternal discipline.

Education should stimulate all aspects of human intellectual potential.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that North Eastern region in general and Manipur in particular has lagged behind in the field of educational opportunities.

Thousands of Manipuri students go to outside states for higher studies.

"A good education outside the state is not something which everyone can afford.

What we need is education and professional 'centre of excellence' located within our reach", he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that the State Government has been making efforts to meet the ever growing needs of educational and professional learning.

Today, the State has its own full-fledged medical college-JNIMS and NIT.

The Central Government has also agreed to set up a Dental College in the State which would start functioning from this year.

The function was also attended by MLA Victor Keishing; Prof IS Khaidem, former VC, MU and former Chairman of MPSC; S Pritamkumar, Under Secretary, Governor's Secretariat, Raj Bhawan; A Halim Chowdhury, retired IAS Officer and teachers and students of RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya.