IMPHAL, December 5: The 29th International Volunteer Day was observed today at the Manipur Press Club Imphal, which was organised by the All Manipur NGOs Forum, AMNGOF.
During the observation, Y Surchandra Singh, Secretary Rural Service Agency was honoured with the State Excellence Award; alongside late Pangambam Nirmala Devi and late Th Binodkumar Singh were posthumously conferred with State Excellence Award, 2013 and Best Volunteer Award respectively.
The occasion was graced by Prof Ksh Bimola; W Shamjai, President AMWJU and N Sarat, advisor to AMNGOF.
Speaking on the occasion W Shamjai stretched on the importance of reviving the spirit of volunteerism. He opined that selfless activities for the welfare of the society should begin from one`™s neighbourhood and it should further spread beyond for larger common good.
Prof Bimola who also spoke during the function described the essence of volunteerism as selfless sacrifice with high moral integrity. She encouraged volunteers to be dynamic with positive attitude and at the same time to be explorative in expanding their horizon.
She also emphasised the importance of civil societies and their role in monitoring the welfare schemes that are being implemented.
K Saratchandra Sharma, one of the invitees of the function, who also spoke lamented on the fading spirit of volunteerism in the present generation. He maintained that the lack of respect meted out by the government officials towards the NGOs has led to declining recognition of their meaningful contribution and thus leading to the dwindling spirit of volunteering among the youths of today.
He urged that the government should encourage the NGOs and other voluntary organisations for their service.
Citing sports as the only visible encouraging arena of volunteerism, which has excelled and gain so much recognition, he also added that voluntarism can be a strong weapon in rooting out corruption which has been degrading the society by and large.