2nd one day State Level Youth Convention held at Raj Bhavan
Youth should Stand up Against Drug Abuse: Governor
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 25 2018: 2nd One Day State Level Youth Convention, 2018 was held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, today.

The Convention was organized by Service Bridge Agency, Imphal under the theme 'Engaging Young People in Nation Building' focusing mainly on youth highlighting their potential in development of the country.

The Youth Convention was graced by Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Y Khemchand as chief guest and president of the function.

Welcoming the gathering, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that Manipur is a beautiful State with different indigenous tribes living in harmony.

The State is known for peaceful coexistence down the ages, tolerant attitude and a rich culture.

She said that the Youth Convention is significant and appropriate in deliberating the contemporary issues pertaining to the youths.

Lauding the works of Service Bridge Agency in uniting the youth of different parts of the State on a single platform, she said that such convention should be organized at different parts of the State as well for spreading the right message and infusing the right spirit, the spirit of love, peace, compassion, hard work and commitment in the cause of youth.

She expressed her belief that the convention will take a concrete recommendation and decision for the welfare of the youth of the State.

The Governor further added that human values and morals came under severe onslaught from consumerism and globalization as people and society prospered and materialism took centre stage with development in various sector- healthcare, infrastructure science, education, energy and agricultural pursuits.

People at present living in a time where India is considered the youngest nation with the world's maximum number of people being in the age group of 25-30 years.

This is enormous human resource base and needs to be put on the right path to yield the best results while discarding the negative trend, she added.

Showing her satisfaction on framing Manipur State Youth Policy from the year 2011 by the State Government with important objectives highlighting various activities of the youth, she said that the thrust areas of the Policy are Youth Empowerment, Inter-sectorial approach and Information & Research Network.

Manipur State Youth Policy elaborately highlights privileges of the youth as well as their responsibilities.

More importantly, concern for key sectors of youth such as Education, Training and Employment Health, Environment, Sports and Recreation, Arts and Culture, Science and Technology, Civics and Citizenship is really commendable.

The Governor stated she is fully confident that the State Government will ensure to implement the priority target groups of the Policy.

Talking about the effects of drugs among the youth, she said that drug addiction is worrisome and brings sheer desperation to the parents to rescue their children from its impact.

She expressed her desire that youth need to collectively stand up against drug abuse and strive to save fellow youth affected by drug abuse and associated health hazards.

The Governor added that the convention is the right forum to deliberate and find a way forward to secure a healthy future for the youth.

Showing concern over the growing report of crimes against women, she said that it is something alien to the rich culture of the State.

Women are more liberated in this State and are also bread earners and the people should all stand up as one to eradicate this social evil.

Further, the Governor urged the youth to involve themselves wholeheartedly in saving the environment and planting more trees.

She also urged the youth to seek out opportunities available to them in order to serve the community through co-curricular activities, college events and camps and advised the youth to develop their own space, find ways to play their part and take the lead in shaping the community in a meaningful way.

On the other hand, Speaker Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that there are two nature of human being - good and bad.

Youth are the pillar of the nation.

Humanity is something that one should always have.

As the theme 'Engaging Young People in Nation Building' the people should love their State, their motherland, he added.

As part of the convention, a rally from Kangla Gate till Raj Bhavan was held ahead of the programme.

A painting competition was also organised at the venue in which many school students took part.

Governor Dr Najma Heptulla handed over certificates and prizes to the participants of the painting competition.

The convention was attended by students and volunteers of Service Bridge Agency.

Comment