Manipur crisis dissected at DESAM anniversary
'Chi-Ma-Kha' award presented to CC Hr secondary lecturer Salam Meghachandra
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 03 2025: Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) celebrated its 23rd foundation anniversary on the theme of "The Impact of Present Crisis on Education in Manipur", at the auditorium of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, DM University campus on Friday during which the Chingu Maichou Khongnangthaba (Chi-Ma-Kha) Award for this year was presented to CC Higher Secondary School mathematics lecturer Salam Meghachandra.

The programme was attended by Manipur University former professor W Nabakumar as chief guest, DESAM president Mayengbam Somorjit as functional president and Model Higher Secondary School principal P Nipendo as guest of honour.

Manipur crisis dissected at DESAM anniversary

In his speech, Prof Nabakumar said that quality education is important for the development and progress of a nation, and also in shaping the cognitive skills of a person.

He observed that DESAM has been working relentlessly to address numerous challenges that the education system of Manipur is facing.

Stressing the importance of knowledge, he said that people should learn about their origins or the clans they belong to.

"But, contrary to this, many still remain ignorant," the professor rued calling it as a worrisome situation.

In this 21st century, everyone knows the importance of education in all aspects, he said, while adding that both formal and informal education is equally important, as one will shape the individuals academic and professional career and other interpersonal skills through the family.

Delivering the keynote address, DESAM secretary general Nongthombam Thoiba said that the conflict has impacted every aspect of the state.

"The changes resulting from the same could either be good or bad.

However, if the direction is not set properly, the changes could become negative, which should be a matter of concern for the present and future generations," he remarked.

The secretary contended that the government, top officials, CSOs, political leaders and the public only look at the conflict and everything else with a short vision, while missing the long-term plan for the same.

Any change is possible within six months, he said, while stressing the need for keeping a long-term view in mind.

Recounting the total internet ban of 5000 hours, which is 208 days since the conflict broke out on May 3, 2023; Thoiba said that the impact of banning the internet is huge, especially with regard to banking, financial transaction, business, marketing, aviation, transportation and other online services.

Among all these, education is most affected by the internet ban, he stated.