Imphal, September 19, 2026: Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh has assured that the University will make every possible effort to address the genuine needs of its working women, including concerns over the shortage of staff at the University’s crèche centre.
The assurance came during the Foundation Day observance and Annual Lunch Programme of the Manipur University Working Women’s Association (MUWWA), held at the MUWWA Office on 18 September 2026.
Former Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam raised the issue while addressing the gathering. She urged the University administration to strengthen the crèche centre by providing adequate staff so that it could serve working women and their children more effectively.
Responding to the request, Prof. Hemakumar said the University would take up the concerns of working women at the appropriate level and extend support within its capacity. He also appreciated MUWWA’s contribution towards promoting fellowship and mutual support among women employees of the University.
Prof. Hemakumar attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam was the Guest of Honour. MUWWA President Prof. Memcha Loitongbam presided over the function.
Delivering the welcome address, MUWWA Vice-President Prof. Toijam Tampha Devi said the programme combined the Association’s Foundation Day, its annual lunch and the felicitation of retired members and an award-winning teacher.
Prof. Sumitra described MUWWA as a distinctive platform that brings together women from different professions, age groups, designations and sections of the University. She said the Association had helped members build friendships and companionship beyond their official responsibilities and professional positions.
Prof. Memcha said MUWWA had served the University community for more than three decades as an inclusive and supportive platform for women. She urged younger members to take a more active part in its activities and contribute towards strengthening the Association.
A major highlight of the programme was the felicitation of Dr. Pukhrambam Lilabati Devi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Dance and Music, for receiving the National Award to Teachers of Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics–2026 from the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Sharing her journey to the national honour, Dr. Lilabati spoke about her experiences as a teacher, researcher and practitioner of Manipuri dance and Bharatanatyam. She also reflected on her work in performing arts pedagogy, academic publishing and the dissemination of knowledge among students and research scholars. She thanked those who had supported and encouraged her throughout her academic journey. MUWWA General Secretary Dr. Koijam Sobita Devi delivered the vote of thanks.
MUWWA also felicitated six retired members in recognition of their services and association with the University. They were Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam of the Department of Physics; Prof. K. Shantibala Devi of the Department of Manipuri; Prof. N. Pramodini Devi of the Department of Linguistics; Prof. M. Damayanti Devi of the Department of Botany; R.K. Bidyapati Chanu, Senior Assistant; and Golmei Luninglu Kabuni, Sweeper.
T Santikumar, Controller of Examinations, Manipur University; Dr Kshetrimayum Narayan Singh, President of the Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA); RK Sanatomba, President of the Manipur University Staff Association (MUSA); retired employees and members of the teaching and non-teaching communities attended the programme.
