NE's development integral to India's growth story: VP
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB

Imphal, May 03 2023: On his maiden visit to Manipur, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Wednesday arrived here on board a special Indian Air Force flight with his wife Dr Sudesh Dhankar.

He was accorded warm welcome by Governor Anusuiya Uikey, chief minister N Biren, Union minister of state for external affairs & education RK Ranjan Singh, MAHUD minister Y Khemchand, industries minister Nem-cha Kipgen, WRD minister Awangbou Newmai, MLAs Th Shyamkumar & S Rajen, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, DGP P Doungel and other top civil and police officials at Tulihal airport.

A Guard-of-Honour was given to the Vice President by a contingent of Manipur Rifles at the airport.

During his one day tour of the state, the VP addressed students and teachers at Dhanamanjuri University (DMU), Manipur and later at Manipur University.

Speaking at the programmes, VP Jagdeep Dhankhar pointed out that the Government of India's policy of 'Act East', upgraded from the 'Look East' has given an impetus to the North Eastern region and made way for its overall development.

"NE's development is integral to India's growth story, " he said.

Speaking at DMU event, Dhankhar observed that the infrastructure in the NE region is fast improving and number of airports increased, among other initiatives.

He mentioned that the NE culture, diversity, dances and natural vegetation are unparalleled in the world.

The VP also expressed that he was touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Manipuri people and that it was evident the state's happiness index was indeed high.

Although Manipur is strategically located, the state is famous for its beauty in diversity, art & culture, sports and many other fields.

There has been a remarkable impact in the field of sports as the state has produced a number of sportspersons who had contributed significantly for the country, he added.

Dhankar continued that Manipur has been the home for polo and also the state is gifted with a huge potential of medicinal plants.

Calling the students as foot soldiers of 2047, the Vice President conveyed that students must not only dream of big ideas but also pursue them to make them into reality, making use of the avenues for growth and become job creators rather than job seekers.

He further emphasised that the National Educational Policy (NEP) - 2020 was a visionary document and a game changer as it envisions education as a tool to improving skills and instilling values.

Later, addressing students at the MU auditorium, the VP encouraged them to experiment with various ideas.

He said fear is the biggest killer of innovation' and wanted them to implement their dreams.

The VP observed that the world is looking at India's growth, which is best exemplified through its thriving startup ecosystem.

He also mentioned that India is now looked at as a land of opportunity, and every investor focusing more on India because of its rich human resources and increasingly transparent processes.

He called upon the students to always keep the nation first and take pride in its achievements.

On the other hand, Governor Anusuiya Uikey thanked the VP and his wife for coming to Manipur.

"While as we are interacting with the students and professors in the university, there should be some discussion on the NEP 2020 and education, she said.

The Governor said that realising the future educational needs of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, constituted a Committee on education policy and in May 2019 and it submitted the new draft of the NEP 2020 to the government.

She continued that the main objective of NEP 2020 is to make India an educational superpower globally and to raise the quality of education by universalising education in India.

It is the responsibility of all of us to implement this education policy.

As we all know, India has been prosperous in the field of education and knowledge since ancient times.

India's Gurukul education system was very excellent and prosperous, due to which India has given the world all kinds of education in Vedas, Puranas, scriptures such as medicine, weapons, ethics, religion, spirituality, environment, social, governance.

Policy, principles of justice, everything is given.

But unfortunately, in a few centuries an attempt was made to destroy all of them and they were made extinct, she added.

The Governor also conveyed that under the remarkable initiative of the PM Modi and chief minister N Biren, DMU is striving for the promotion of higher education.

The varsity is one of the very few universities in the country which is offering twin courses of under graduate and post graduate programmes simultaneously.

Quality is the first principle for DMU.

The state government is committed to the development of education, she added.

Speaking at the interaction programmes, CM N Biren pointed out that youth of the nation have the power to shape their destiny and future of our society.

He stated that education is the backbone of a healthy society and schools, colleges and universities sources of education.

The NEP aims to instil sense of nationalism amongst the student.

If one has the sense of nationalism then there will be no communal division.

Teacher should try to inspire the sense of nationalism among the students through proper education, he added.

The CM mentioned that as India sets upon itself a vision to become a developed country by 2047, participation and engagement of youth is critical towards realising this vision.

To strengthen the education system in Manipur, various steps were taken up by the state government including establishment of DMU in 2017 .

He further said that there have been a number of developmental activities taken up in the state.

Helicopter service for far flung areas has been introduced and infrastructure development for rail connectivity is in progress.

The state has produced 19 Olympians so far and an Olympian Park has been developed.

The state has a huge tourism potential in natural and cultural heritage.

Medical tourism is also a potential area where we can attract people from neighbouring states and even from Myanmar, he added.

Education minister Th Basant Kumar Singh, Union MoS Dr RK Ranjan, forest & environment minister Th Biswajit, TA&H minister Letpao Haokip, veterinary minister Khasim Vashum, chief secretary Rajesh Kumar, MU VC Prof N Lokendra Singh, DMU VC Prof.N Rajmuhon Singh, among others attended the programme.

The event was also attended by faculty, scientists of central institutions (Manipur University, RIMS, Agriculture, NIT, HIT, National Sports University, Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development, ICSR, CSIR) and master craft persons and national awardees of handloom-handicraft, GI tagged product of Manipur.

During the functions, CM N Biren presented painting and memento to the VP and his wife, while faculty and scientists of central institutions were honoured with gifts.

The VP's state tour concluded with his visit to the various stalls of Manipur 's handicrafts and handlooms opened at the MU auditorium and interacting with them.

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