Imphal, February 08 2009: "North East India is among the most beautiful places and that the best thing of the North East region of India is its rich natural resources, take good care of it," says astronaut Edward Michael "Mike" Fincke while talking to students of Manipur online from the International Space Station (ISS) today.

During the historic event under the banner "Space Talk" was organized at the Central Agricultural University (CAU) Manipur, in Imphal sponsored and coordinated by the Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters (FASS), fourteen students from the state spoke to astronaut Edward Michael "Mike" Fincke.

About 400 students including some school teachers attended the event. The talk which started from 3.36 pm and 19 seconds, lasted for about ten minutes during which Edward Michael Fincke who is also known as Mike Fincke or the son in law of the North East, also the commander of the Expedition-18, expressed his desire to visit Manipur if possible in the near future after completing his mission. "Manipur is very close to Assam, let's see what we can do and I will try" Fincke added when he was asked by a student for any chance of visiting the state.

"Khurumjari, Aphaba Oiyu and Thagatchari" are the three words he uttered, when he was asked whether he had any idea of Manipuri language, and the whole room burst into applause. Fincke revealed that during their frequent passing along North East area he can see Loktak Lake which is very beautiful when seen from space, however it is most of the time foggy, he added. Mike Fincke also shared his experience of being an astronaut and their mission in the space during the talk with the students.

When asked about giving words of hopes from the ISS for the North East, he said, "North East India is most beautiful place and the best thing of the North East Region of India is its rich natural resources, take good care of it...

Since my childhood I aimed to become an astronaut, I never gave up, I worked hard to achieve my dream and so as you." Being inspired by the historic event of talking to astronaut Edward Michael "Mike" Fincke online from International Space Station (ISS) today, many Manipuri students expressed their desire to become an astronaut someday.

Interacting with the media persons to share their experiences after attending the space talk one Santila, an eleventh standard student of JNV Khumbong School said, "I feel that I am the luckiest person today for being able to attend the space talk.

I am thrilled to hear an astronaut online from outer space for the first time of my life, my aim in life is to become a doctor and now I am looking forward to become one." A tenth standard student of Nirmalabas School, one Jenifer had to say this, "I always dream of becoming an astronaut, and after attending the space talk, I am more inspired and determined to become an astronaut." Er Bidyananda Barkakoty, General Secretary of FASS revealed that the space talk is a unique event of which few can achieve the opportunity and Manipur is now among the achievers of such unique event. He also said that the talk has been coordinated by the Amateur Radio ground station collaborated by nine countries, HAM radio station, Queensland Australia. While terming it as a historic event in the history of Manipur, the Dean of CAU, Manipur said that "thanks" should go to Mike, the son in law of the North East.

He also requested Mike for a visit to the state, to which the astronaut replied in a positive manner saying, Thagatchari (thanks).

Mike is married to an Assamese woman.

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