IMPHAL, Jan 21 (NNN): Manipur Government today celebrated its ‘Statehood Day’ 2013 at the Manipur Secretariat, South Block here with PHED minister I Hemochandra gracing the function as Chief Guest.
Addressing the function, Hemochandra said that January 21 is a landmark day in the history of Manipur.
He said Manipur attained statehood on January 21, 1972 and became a full-fledged state of Indian union and since then, January 21 is observed every year as Statehood Day to commemorate this day.
Hemochandra commented that the state has joined the pace of development as it enters 41 years of statehood, adding Manipur has now seen a speedy development in the fields of education, agriculture, art and culture, sports, health care and others.
The minister, however, acknowledged the fact that there are a whole lot of things to be done in order to incorporate the state among developed states in the country by the year 2020.
Hemochandra said, “To achieve the target, every individuals who are in different professions need to work hard with concerted efforts.” The minister also said everybody has the responsibility to shape the future of the state and ueged for giving impetus to bring a prosperous Manipur.
Additional Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, DGP Y Joykumar and other top officials of both civil and police also attended the event.
Artistes from Shri Balmukund Dev Government Music College, Imphal also presented patriotic songs during the celebration.