CM flags off 16 to Japan with 'don't forget your roots' advice
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 21 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today flagged off 16 people from Manipur who have completed a Japanese Language course from NSDC International Academy and got jobs in Japan under the initiative of the Department of Skill, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship (SLEE) .

The flag-off programme was held at the Chief Minister's Bungalow at Imphal.

Interacting with the candidates, the Chief Minister advised the candidates to never forget their roots.

While presenting each of them with a replica of the Pena, an indigenous musical instrument of Manipur, he urged them to always remember that they are Manipuris, even while staying in Japan.

CM flags off 16 to Japan with 'don't forget your roots' advice

He said the candidates will be exposed to a foreign land, culture, traditions and development but they should remain connected to their identity.

Citing the example of Singapore, a small Nation with one of the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia, Khemchand said the people there are proud to call themselves Singaporeans.

He said that in the past, people of Manipur proudly identified themselves as Manipuris, but now many hesitate to do so.

He added that this mindset needs to be changed and everyone should be proud of being a Manipuri, he continued.

The Chief Minister also informed that public transport services on the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route along National Highway-2 have resumed from today, marking an important step towards free movement.

He urged the people to use the Government transport services without fear.

He said the airfare for Imphal-Guwahati flights is very high and it is like a punishment for the people of the state.

An MoU was also signed between the State Bank of India (SBI) and SLEE, an undertaking of the Government of Manipur, to provide financial support to the candidates.

The candidates have completed Japanese language training from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) International Academy and have secured jobs in various parts of Japan including Tokyo, Hokaido, Okinawa etc in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.

Khemchand Singh appreciated the efforts of SLEE and SBI officials for their commendable service in providing skill training and financial support to eligible youths of the State and helping them get suitable jobs abroad.

Dhanapriya Tensubam, who has got a job in Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel and Resort, Okinawa expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the initiative and said that she will never forget her roots and always will be a proud Manipuri.

The flag-off-cum-interaction programme was attended by MLA Kh Joykisan Singh; Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof RK Hemakumar Singh; Secretary, Skill, Labour, Employment and Entrepreneurship, N Bandana Devi; Deputy General Manager (B&O), SBI Zonal Office, Shillong, Ejaz Ahmed; and State Engagement Officer of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Masotmi Zimik, among others.

Meanwhile a press release issued by the PRO of Manipur University said that nine out of the 16 candidates flagged off today are alumni of the university.