Navodaya Vidyalayas across Manipur celebrate foundation day with cultural fervour
Source: The Sangai Express

Cdl/Bpr/Kak, August 05 2026: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) across Manipur celebrated the Foundation Day of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti on Wednesday with colourful programmes featuring cultural performances, felicitation of meritorious students and tributes to former Prime Minister Raj iv Gandhi, who founded the Navodaya school system.

At JNV Liwa Sarei, Chandel, the celebration was held at the school auditorium in the presence of headmasters and principals of various schools, including Oak Hill Christian Academy, Model Residential School and Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School, besides the NSUC president, ZEO Chandel and chiefs of neighbouring villages.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr Amarson Sankhil said the institution has remained a centre of excellence in education and sports since its establishment in 1988 and has produced numerous scholars and sportspersons over the past 38 years.

He said the school continues to uphold the values of academic excellence, nationalism, unity and national integration.

Retired United College, Lambung Principal Dr Bd Thumdal described JNV Chandel as a reputed institution admired by students, parents and teachers alike.

The programme featured Anal, Maring and Bamboo dances along with other cultural performances.

CBSE examination toppers and winners of various literary and sports competitions were felicitated, while the Champion House for the 2025-26 academic session was also declared.

The celebration concluded with the National Anthem.

Meanwhile, JNV Bishnupur observed the Samiti's 40th Foundation Day at its academic block in Moirang.

The programme began with floral tributes to the portrait of Rajiv Gandhi and was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur Pooja Elangbam as chief guest, Principal R Md Moinam as functional president, former Deputy Commissioner of the Shillong Region, NVS, MA Muneeb as guest of honour and Moirang College Principal Md Raheijuddin Sheikh as special guest.

As part of the celebration, a Class XI student, Poirenganbi, spoke on the theme "Vision of JNV from a Student's Perspective," while Dr Khwairakpam Hilari Singh, an alumnus from the school's first batch, shared his experiences and encouraged students to make the best use of the opportunities provided by Navodaya Vidyalayas.

The school's newsletter was also released, and six students were felicitated for their achievements in various fields.

Students later presented dances, songs and cultural performances.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam said Rajiv Gandhi's vision of providing quality education to talented rural children had become a reality through the Navodaya Vidyalaya system.

She urged students to actively participate in academic, cultural and sports activities, saying such exposure helps develop leadership qualities, confidence and personality alongside academic excellence.

The Foundation Day was also celebrated at JNV Umathel, Kakching, with cultural programmes and student performances.

Thoubal Zilla Parishad CEO P Shantikumar Singh (MCS) attended as chief guest while Principal Atom Kirankumar Singh presided over the function.

Head of the Anthropology Department of Kakching Khunou College Kh Suben Meitei and JNV Vice Principal L Devakumar Singh attended as guests of honour.

After paying floral tributes to Rajiv Gandhi, students presented Leima Jagoi, Kabui and Mao folk dances, tabla and instrumental performances, yoga demonstrations, self-defence displays and Thang-Ta, captivating the audience comprising parents, teachers and members of the Parent-Teacher Council.

Speaking on the occasion, P Shantikumar Singh lauded the remarkable development of JNV Umathel since its establishment and credited successive principals, teachers and staff for its progress.

He noted that the school has produced many successfill alumni over the years and urged students to work hard with determination instead of comparing themselves with others, expressing confidence that the institution would continue to produce outstanding achievers in the years ahead.

Comment