Bust of Dr TS Gangte unveiled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 22 2020: A bust of Dr TS Gangte, founder of Churachandpur Govt College was unveiled at Churachandpur Govt College campus by Dr Th Siamkhum, Principal of the College, today.

The unveiling programme, organised under the auspices of the Gangte Students' Organisation (GSO) was attended by people of different walks of life including Dr PM Gangte, wife of (L) Dr TS Gangte and other family members, said GSO in a statement.

Standard Operating Procedure and other safety norms were strictly adhered to during the programme that lasted for a few hours.

Bust of Dr TS Gangte unveiled

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Th Siamkhum said that Dr TS Gangte deserves reverence, considering the success stories scripted by the College thus far.

The college has produced thousands of graduates since its inception and many of the graduates are well placed in Government, semi-Government, private organisations/departments, he said and urged all to follow the footprints of Dr Gangte who contributed his might and resource for the betterment of the society.

Delivering a brief note about the project, Mangminthang Gangte, finance in-charge of the project, said that the project was purely funded through contributions from individuals transcending ethnicity and tribe, caste or creed.

The fact that many individuals came forward voluntarily to contribute testifies the dynamism that Dr TS Gangte epitomizes - that is the brotherhood and unity of all communities, living in peaceful harmony and free pursuit of excellence in higher learning, he added.

Setting the record straight about the idea behind erecting a bust in memory of late Dr TS Gangte, Mangminthang Gangte said that it was to convey the message that Dr TS Gangte, known as the father of higher education among the hill tribes of Manipur, belonged to all communities of the State and his name deserves immortalization in whatever way it could.

Dedicating the bust to be a symbol of love, peace, unity and progress among the people and for the society, he expressed gratitude to the Principal, staff of the College and all donors for the success of the project.

Dr Priyadarshni M Gangte, wife of Late Dr TS Gangte said that he had contributed a lot in the field of education not only among the hill areas but also in the entire State of Manipur.

She said that Churachandpur College has done justice to its name and existence under many dynamic Principals and dedicated staff, hardworking students and unflinching support of the local people.

It may be mentioned that the programme was first planned to be held on July 29, which was to commemorate his 13th death anniversary.

However, the extension of lockdown due to worsening of the pandemic situation had compelled the organisers to defer the programme.

Apart from selected leaders of GTU, GTC, GLS, GYO, GSO, the programme was attended by leaders of prominent students' organisations like KSO-Ghq, KSO-CCp, SSPP-Ghqs, Zillai-Ghqs, GSO and CCpur Govt College Students' Union; faculty members of the College, and others.

The delegates offered floral tribute to Dr Gangte.

Dr TS Gangte, MA, Ph D was born to (L) Lalzalien Gangte and Thangkhonieng on November 30, 1932.He had his early schooling up to Class VI at ME School in Ukhrul before and after World War-II.

He completed his matriculation from Johnstone High School, Imphal in 1954.He graduated from St.

Anthony's College, Shillong in 1959 and obtained his Master's degree in Sociology from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi in 1963.He was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy in 1990 by the Anthropology Department, Calcutta University, West Bengal.

Dr TS Gangte was the founder Chairman of Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur; Director of Education (University and Higher Education); Chairman of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur; founder Principal, Churachandpur Govt College - the first college in tribal areas of Manipur; Headmaster of Gandhi Memorial High School, Molnom, Ccpur.

Dr TS Gangte was also instrumental in setting up Moreh College, Moreh; Maram College; Bethany Christian Higher Secondary School, Ccpur and Rayburn College, Ccpur.

He was married to Lhingjaneng Sitlhou (ex-MLA and the first tribal Padmashree awardee) and Priyadarshni Maisnam (Tingneihhoih).

Since 2008, the Manipur University, Canchipur, has awarded meritorious Anthropology students with the Dr T S Gangte Gold Medal Award for excellence in the subject.