Stay away from agitations, CM tells students

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Saying that our academic period is limited to just six-seven years, Chief Minister N Biren has advised the students of Dhanamanjuri University not to waste their time on unproductive things which can disturb the academic atmosphere and session.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest of the inaugural function of the 1st DMUnifest 2022, a youth festival of DM University and its constituent colleges of DM College of Science, DM College of Commerce, DM College of Arts, Ghanapriya Women’s College and LMS Law College held at the Central Hall, DM College of Science, Dhanamanjuri University on Monday.

Biren appealed to the young students against joining agitations and taking part in strikes and bandhs and said if they need anything or are facing issues, they can first approach their university authorities or department concerned to discuss the issue.

He said that the students can also meet him as there are no issues that cannot be settled or resolved. Noting that we cannot succeed without showing respect to our elders, he asked the students to be respectful to their teachers and elders to succeed in life.

The Chief Minister said politics should be based on reality and it should not be just words, but these words should be followed by actions. He further asserted that the BJP-led government in its first term focused mainly on bringing peace and building a peaceful co-existence among the different communities without bandhs, blockades, strikes, etc, to create an atmosphere where each one of us can perform our responsibilities and duties.

He reiterated that nepotism in promotion and employment in institutions and offices will not be tolerated and will be streamlined on a merit/seniority basis according to the Recruitment Rules. Biren further spoke on the issue pertaining to the War on Drugs campaign, saying teachers should also spread awareness among the students on the ill effects of the drug menace. It is the time to think for our future generation, he added.

Maintaining that the State is fortunate to get a university of the stature of DM University, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness over witnessing the discipline and respect highlighted by the young students of the university during the march past parade.

He said it is quite pleasing and gratifying to witness the young and fit students dressed in traditional customs, promoting and preserving our tradition and culture. Further expressing the need to promote and preserve our history and showcase our identity before the world, the Chief Minister said there are some few outsiders who are trying to manipulate and wrongly represent Manipur’s history. He further stressed the need to include Manipur’s history in the educational syllabus.

The Chief Minister also recounted historical events like the Seven Years’ Devastation and reminded the students of the forefathers in surviving such events and in driving off enemies. He further elucidated the contributions of kings like Maharaj Kullachandra, and Maharaj Gambhir Singh in nation building, saying we should inculcate their nationalism.

The Chief Minister further said that the government is trying to observe the Anglo-Manipur War memorial at Tengnoupal and Mayang Khang also, starting from next year. Further highlighting some developmental works in connection with DM University, the Chief Minister said that as part of the 100-days programme of the government, new infrastructures to be inaugurated before June 30 include Academic Block for Arts, Science, and Commerce, Main Library, library block for GP College.

He said DPRs are being prepared for an additional hostel, examination blocks, and laboratories, he said, adding that bifurcation of Teaching and Non-teaching staff from the Directorate of Higher Education is a major demand and will be decided upon at the earliest by the cabinet.

Assuring to develop infrastructure of the university at the earliest, the Chief Minister also expressed the belief that the youth festival will encourage the idea of a united society and understanding among the different communities.

Education Minister Th Basanta Singh attending the function as a Guest of Honour also said today’s festival has a strong implication for the future of our society because the youth is the foundation of our society and how we grow as a state and nation is dependent on the youth.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. N Rajmuhon said that it will indeed provide a platform for showing the multidimensional talents of the youths of the State in various extracurricular activities. This four-day festival will provide opportunities to the students of the five colleges to compete in various events and healthy competition among the students, he added.

The festival will showcase the idea of promoting art and culture, foster the idea of brotherhood and bring about emotional integration among the students from different communities through cultural events, he said. The inaugural function was also attended by Thangmeiband MLA Kh. Joykisan and Commissioner Higher & technical Education M. Harekhrishna, principals of constituent colleges, faculty members, and students among others. A march past parade was also conducted as part of the inaugural function.