Many wish year 2014 ushers peace in State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 31 2013 : While many were of the view that year 2013 had been still far from what could be equated as peaceful and satisfactory they nevertheless hoped that arrival of the new year usher an era of tranquillity and development in Manipur.

Among others Lok Sabha MP Dr Th Meinya wished the very best of year 2014 to the people of Manipur.

Speaking to The Sangai Express noted theatre personality Padmashree Ratan Thi- yam said he would pray to the almighty that the new year usher peace, strengthen unity and promote overall development in the State.

Noting that the common people had suffered enormou-sly in 2013 due to escalation of prices of essential commodities he appealed to the Government to take concrete and effective measures to ameliorate suffering of the people.

Reminding that hardship is part of human existence and emphasising that forgetting unwanted events of the past is a necessity for one to move forward, Ratan Thiyam said the 'forget and forgive' doctrine remains very much rele- vant in the present society.

Members of The KOI, a rising experimental/psychedelic/folk band

Wishing the people the very best in 2014, Manipur University Vice Chancellor Prof HNK Sarma said smooth implementation of unfinished tasks would be top priority for the coming year.

Pledging that there will no compromise in promoting quality education in the State, he listed opening of new academic course such as credit system, BEd/MEd departments, setting up a central school in the varsity campus, development of a 60-guest capacity international guest house, completing the auditorium and Kangshang build- ings and filling up of vacant posts as some of the priorities.

Prof Sarma also exulted that in the year 2013, over 160 candidates qualified in the NET examination, MU students excelled in academic as well as cultural and sports activities, MU team bagged the honour in the East Zone Youth Festival, introduction of sociology and Forest & Environment Studies departments and most important of all the students showing keen interest in maintaining cordial academic environment.

On the other, advocate Chongtham Norendro Singh, who is also the legal advisor of Child Rights Commission, described 2013 as 'troubled year' substantiating that rule of law was not maintained at all levels.

He, however, hoped that the new year would be better and lawfully satisfactory.

Actor Gurumayum Bonny Sharma, stressing on inculcating work ethics and cultu- ral promotion by the younger generation, regretted that the 2013 was marked by unwant-ed incidents of crime against women and children.

Along with hoping for a peaceful 2014, he wished that every section of the society contribute towards ensuring a safe year for women and children.

While Vale Academy Principal Laishram Prasanta Singh wished that year 2014 ensure unhindered functioning in educational institutions, members of The KOI, a rising experimental/psychedelic/folk band of Manipur wished that in the new year love and peace would be spread through music.

RK Bhogesh, proprietor of The Greens, a restaurant in Keishamthong that specialises in fresh bean-based coffee wished that promoting pollution free and environment friendly Manipuri society be the focus of all the citizens in the new year.