International Day of Families observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 15 2026:
The Department of Sociology, Manipur University, observed International Day of Families on Friday at the department premises, focusing on the family's role as a core social institution amid rising individualism and changing social structures.
Prof M Lilee, Head, Department of Sociology, presided, while Prof L Memcha, Dean, School of Social Sciences, MU, attended as chief guest.
Prof Memcha said the family remains central to society, noting, "Home is where family is".
Prof Lilee stressed the need to strengthen family bonds to meet new social challenges.
Prof Haobijam Vokendro Singh, Head, Department of Anthropology, MU, delivered the invited lecture on "The Crumbling Foundation of the Family Institution and Bleak Future of Children" .
He traced the evolution of family forms worldwide and argued that culture, not biology, primarily shapes behaviour, pointing to diverse child-rearing traditions.
Calling the family the "cradle of citizenship and values", he said it is key to nation-building.
Citing global data, Prof Vokendro linked income disparity, later marriage, higher divorce rates and shifting family structures to child-rearing outcomes.
He flagged socio-psychological risks for children in unstable homes and urged collective efforts to uphold family values and responsibilities.




