Imphal, August 12, 2026: The National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell, Manipur University, organised Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Phase–2 at the Court Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur, on August 12 under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The programme focused on engaging young people with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and encouraging them to become responsible, disciplined and socially conscious citizens while promoting a drug-free society.
The programme began with the official NSS song, followed by Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Manipur University, attended the programme as Chief Guest, while Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Manipur University, presided over the function. Pinubala Laishram, Youth Icon, and Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator, NSS Cell, Manipur University, attended as Guests of Honour.
Around 150 participants attended the programme, including Princy Gupta, Assistant Director and Youth Officer, Imphal East District, MY Bharat, NSS Programme Officers from colleges affiliated to Manipur University, coordinators, NSS volunteers, invitees and other dignitaries.
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Laishram Santosh Singh said Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Phase–2 is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, with programmes being organised across the country from August 1 to 15, 2026.
He said Manipur University is among the institutions selected in Manipur to organise the programme and that the NSS Cell, Manipur University, has taken the initiative to connect young people with the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat.
Prof. Santosh said the programme seeks to take the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 to the grassroots by encouraging young Indians to become disciplined, dedicated and socially responsible citizens. He underlined that the country’s aspirations for 2047 would require the active involvement and collective efforts of its youth.
During the programme, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Manipur University administered the Viksit Bharat pledge to the participants, reaffirming their commitment to responsible citizenship, nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Sharing his views on the occasion of Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Phase–2, Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh emphasised that the vision of a developed India by 2047 cannot be realised through government initiatives alone, but requires the active participation, discipline and commitment of the country’s youth.
He observed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 places young Indians at the centre of the country’s transformation and that their participation will be crucial in achieving India’s developmental aspirations.
Prof. Hemakumar was of the view that initiatives such as Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect should go beyond awareness and inspire young people to take greater responsibility for their institutions, communities and the nation. He also highlighted the challenges posed by drug abuse, addiction and illicit drug trafficking, stressing the importance of a healthy, focused and socially responsible younger generation.
Referring to initiatives undertaken by Manipur University, he highlighted the University’s efforts towards developing a plastic-free campus. He observed that providing facilities for the collection and disposal of plastic waste alone would not be sufficient unless students, employees and other members of the University community use them responsibly and collectively contribute towards keeping the campus clean.
He similarly emphasised collective responsibility in the University’s efforts to maintain a drug-free campus, observing that initiatives introduced by the University administration can achieve their objectives only with the active cooperation and participation of students and other members of the University community.
Addressing the Presidential speech, Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, described Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Phase–2 as a significant initiative as India moves towards the centenary of its Independence in 2047.
He observed that India’s large youth population constitutes one of the country’s greatest strengths and that young people will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.
Highlighting the importance of the National Service Scheme, Prof. Ibohal said NSS provides an effective institutional platform for developing socially sensitive and responsible citizens. He emphasised the importance of strengthening the connection between campuses and communities through NSS activities, particularly through adopted villages.
He said campaigns such as the drive for a drug-free India should not remain confined to university and college campuses, but should reach communities and adopted villages through the active involvement of NSS volunteers. NSS, he added, provides a platform through which students, teachers, programme officers and communities can work together for meaningful social change.
Guest of Honor and Youth Icon Pinubala Laishram, in her address, focused on the role of young Indians in achieving Viksit Bharat and highlighted the serious challenges posed by substance abuse and addiction.
She said India’s youthful population is one of its greatest strengths, but stressed that young people can contribute effectively to nation-building only when they remain physically and mentally healthy.
Discussing the consequences of substance abuse, she said addiction affects not only an individual’s physical health but can also adversely affect the mind, behaviour, education, career, family relationships and social life.
Drawing on examples from everyday life, she explained how prolonged substance and alcohol abuse can lead to behavioural changes, family conflicts and violence, and in severe cases may require counselling, rehabilitation and psychiatric intervention.
Referring to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, launched on August 15, 2020, Pinubala said combating substance abuse requires the participation not only of government agencies but also of families, educational institutions, communities and young people themselves.
She also drew attention to emerging forms of addiction, including digital and smartphone addiction, and encouraged young people facing such problems to acknowledge them and seek support from trusted family members, friends, teachers, counsellors and other responsible persons. Seeking help, she stressed, should not be considered a matter of shame.
A special feature of the programme was the felicitation of NSS volunteers who represented Manipur University at the North East NSS Festival 2026, held at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, from July 23 to 27, 2026.
The Manipur University contingent earned recognition in several activities during the festival, including an honour for Best Discipline, second position in a cultural event, and recognition in the poster-making competition.
The participants were felicitated for representing Manipur University at the regional level and for demonstrating the values of discipline, creativity, cultural participation and social service embodied by the National Service Scheme.
The programme underscored that India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 will depend not only on economic and technological advancement but also on the health, character, discipline, social responsibility and active participation of its youth.
