DESAM for counselling service to violence-hit students
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 03 2024:
Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) celebrated its 22nd foundation day at COMET School, Changangei Ucheckon on Wednesday.
Organised under the theme of 'Rising above Challenges through Quality Education', the function was attended by Education (S) director Laishram Nanda-kumar Singh as chief guest and DESAM president Leishangthem Lamyanba Meitei as president while DESAM ex president Moirangthem Angamba Meitei and COMET School principal Thoudam Devchandra Singh were present as guests of honour.
Delivering the keynote speech, DESAM secretary general Mayengbam Somorjit Luwang iterated DESAM's firm belief on bringing reformation in the society through quality education.
He also expressed deepest condolences and paid respect to all those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Manipur from illegal immigrants and also to the village volunteers and all those affected by the on-going conflict.
He continued that students have not been spared from the various issues afflicting the state like territorial integrity of Manipur, drug abuse, illegal immigration and threat to indigenous people, poor economy, lack of social discipline and breakdown of social unity, growing distrust among communities, poor governance, environmental deg radation, lack of education resources/opportunities and other issues.
DESAM believes that quality education can help resolve these issues and as such, will continue to put more efforts towards improving the education system of the state, he affirmed.
Observing that students have been reeling under the impact of the ethnic conflict after barely recovering from the aftermath of Covid pandemic, the general secretary expressed concern over some youths going astray due to such issues.
Thus, he urged the government and school authorities along with all the other educational institutions to set up a Psychological Support Cell from this year onwards to provide counselling and psychological support to students.
In his speech, Laishram Nandakumar stated that the on-going conflict is severely 4he Education Department as well.
However, the academic career of students has been somewhat saved due to the support of student bodies.
At present, there are 15,000 students staying in various relief camps.
The Department will soon be assigning counsellors for relief camps to provide counselling and psychological support to the students.
He then urged those in student bodies not to neglect their duties as students while fighting for social causes, adding that it is the duty and responsibility of a student to become capable future pillars of the society.
During the function, the Chingu Maichou Khongnangthaba (Chi-Ma-Kha) Award-2023 was presented to St Joseph Higher Secondary School assistant teacher Akoijam Jibanlata Chanu while certificates of appreciation were presented to DM Community College faculty Dr Ksh Chitrabhanu Devi and Samushang Shantipur Upper Primary School primary teacher Y Somorendro Singh respectively.