'First glimpse' of Manipur impresses DU students

A brief glimpse of Manipur's scenic beauty was all needed to rejuvenate a 130-strong student delegates from the Delhi University who arrived on Sunday evening as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's endeavour to familiarise university students with the North East region.

Around 120 students from University of Delhi accompanied by 30 mentors and guides arrived here from Guwahati.

In sync with the Prime Minister's recent announcement that teams of around 100 students each from various universities across the country would tour the states of the North East for better understanding on the contribution towards enriching Indian art and culture as well as exploits in the field of sports by people of the region.

"North East tour by students of Delhi University organised under the aegis of Centre would help in building a relationship of trust and love between the people of Northeast region and other parts of the country," said Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro at the reception function of Delhi University students.

The students are in a study tour of the state under the Central government's special programme, held at Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) auditorium, Konung Mamang Imphal.

Okendro also said that the tour would help in plugging the communication gap between the people of Northeast and those in mainland India.

Besides, the students from different states of the country would get the opportunity to know Manipur and other Northeast states better thus decreasing the mistrust between them.

Among the Northeast states, Manipur is one of the fastest developing states. The state is an important destination for South East Asian countries, and trade and commerce in the India's Look East Policy.

"Railway line to connect the state with rest of the country is underway. Besides, the state is making preparations to set up two more universities above the already existing Manipur University, thus advancing in a fast pace in the Human Resource Development sector," he added.

As the students are visiting the state for the first time, it would provide them the rare opportunity to know the state, its people and environment thus bridging a huge gap between the people of Northeast region and rest of the country.

Delhi University's Deputy Dean of Students' Welfare Dr. N Santa Cruz, who led the students' team, said that it is the fifth tour of Delhi University and they are coming in the state to know the Northeast region better.

It is also a trendsetter to show that education process is not confined only in the classroom.

Expressing gratitude to the state government for its initiative towards the tour, he said that Delhi University would publish a book called 'Glory of North East' after its Northeast tour.

Renowned folk singer and youth sensation Mangka Mayanglambam troupes of different tribal communities presented their performances during the grand reception ceremony.

The students also visited Loktak lake, Japanese War Memorial Complex, Ima Keithel and many other exotic places of the state and would interact with the teachers and students at Central Agricultural Unversity, Manipur University, Sports Authority of India Training Centre, Khuman Lampak main Stadium, etc.