IMPHAL, Oct 13 (NNN): Thought provoking speeches, crowd enthralling songs and dances marked the inaugural function of the three-day 2nd General Conference of Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) today at Senapati town, some 65 kilometres north of Imphal.
Large numbers of people are seen participating in the mega event.
“The essence of much touted Look East Policy is that if people want to grow educationally, socially and economically then all countries have to promote mutual understanding and mutual cooperation with other countries to achieve all-round development”, said Manipur Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PC Lawmkunga at the inaugural function of the 2nd general conference of Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) at Senapati district headquarters on Saturday.
CEO Lawmkunga said, “In the present world, no country can remain isolated, if it wants to grow educationally, socially and economically then all countries have to promote mutual understanding and mutual cooperation with other countries to achieve all-round development. This is the essence of our much touted Look east Policy.”
He also referred to the main objective of the Look East Policy saying the Indian Government devised this policy to enter into understanding with the ASEAN countries and focus on trade and commerce supported by science and technology.
Lawmkunga further said, “We have to be prepared to reap the fruits of this policy. In this regard, the foremost thing in our mind is peace and security, not only for Indian citizens but also for foreigners who want to invest in business in Manipur and who want to visit us as tourists. We can make Manipur one of the most attractive states if we shed off narrow minds and self-interest.”
Addressing the 2nd general conference of SDSA, LR John, president, SDSA said, “We were happy when the Indo-Naga peace agreement was signed in the year 1997 but the absence of a solution despite prolonged negotiation and sporadic confrontation is a great concerned for us. We want respect and dignity. We want our rights and honour.”
He said “collective envisioning” under which the general conference was organized, is about knowing each other, learning from each other, helping each other and working together to create a better world.
United Naga Council (UNC) president L Adani was also taking part at the function. He said leadership in the movement of any student union in issues of academic, sports, and science and technology, social and collective concern make good life and ensures meaningful life and productive life. The theme of the conference reflects the maturity and seriousness of SDSA, he hailed.
Rev Father Abraham Lotha, Principal of St Joseph College, Jakhma, Nagaland also spoke on the occasion saying, “Your town (Senapati) is growing faster than the towns in other districts but without much planning or envisioning.” He said it is over-crowded with no much thought or planning and the challenge is what next.
The inaugural session of the 2nd general conference of SDSA was graced by Lawmkunga, CEO as chief guest and PK Jhah, Deputy Commissioner, Senapati district as special guest.
A cultural session was also held as part of the inaugural session wherein Ram Muiva, Principal Secretary, Works and Transport present as chief guest and Dr J Suresh Babu, principal Secretary, Home and Dr Rajesh Kumar, Commissioner, Tourism as guests of honour.
The SDSA was established in the year 1971 with James Lokho and Benjamin Banee as its first president and secretary respectively. The first conference of SDSA was organized on April 14, 1993.