Manipur Day enthrals IITF
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 15 2017: Manipur celebrated its day at the 37th India International Trade Fair, 2017 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, Pragati Maidan in the National capital, today.

The Manipur Day observation was attended by Commerce and Industries Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh as chief guest and Principal, Industries, P Vaiphei was the president.

Inaugurating the event, Biswajit said Manipur had been making tremendous efforts to come up to the need for ensuring inclusive growth of its people and to become an attractive destination for others.

He said some progress has been made but most importantly, a good beginning has been set by now.

Through concerted and coordinated efforts of the State Government with the constant support of the people, the State has become a peaceful State after the formation of the new Government led by B JP, the Minister said.

Manipur is a rich organic belt for agro and horticulture products, Biswajit observed adding that it offers huge opportunities for investment which is mostly untapped so far.

Further promoting the agro and horticulture products of the State, he said pineapples, lemons, oranges, passion fruits, etc of the State are renowned for their high juice contents and sweet tastes as much as the U morok and other spices like ginger, turmeric and other spices are preferred for their strength and colours.

He continued that Manipur today is at the threshold of opening up to a huge horizon - the railways coming to Imphal by 2019 and with the Trans-Asian Highway expected to connect the State to the South East Asian countries, and Manipur will be India's gateway to South East Asia.

"The huge opportunities these openings will throw up will be tremendous and we hope to make the best of it with the active involvement of the people under the inclusive leadership of the State and Central Governments," he continued.

Biswajit also said that Manipur means land of jewel - an apt name for a State whose people are talented and gifted.

The talents, he added, are reflected in what they do in various arenas of life and work.

In sports, it is a well-known fact that Manipur is at the top which is validated in every National games, he said adding that in 1999, when Manipur hosted the National games, the State was overall champion.

"Our girls are specially good in sports," he said citing a few names like MC Mary Kom, Sarita Chanu, Chanchan.

Biswajit also said with adequate opportunities, incentives and infrastructures in the State, the sports persons will do even better in many more events and will continue, to scale much higher grounds.

Observing that another area of the State's strength is its rich culture, he explained, besides, forming an important component in the cultural mosaic of the country, different aspects of Manipur performing arts, Manipuri cinema and theatre are well received not only within the country, but also in international platforms.

Biswajit also spoke on the handloom and handicrafts of the State and added, "our handlooms and handicrafts are popular among the discerning consumers," and urged the people to visit the Manipur stall and see the beautiful creations.

Comment