IMPHAL, June 19 : Poor standard of education and lack of facilities in the hill districts of Manipur were highlighted today by tribal leaders while felicitating a record number of students from Kharam community who received outstanding results in the Class X and XII examinations, 2015-16.
A total of 34 students were awarded for excellence during the “1st Felicitation Programme for Class X and XII Students” organised by the Kharam Students’ Union, Manipur (KSUM) at Tribal Research Institute here. Kharam, with nearly 2000 scattered population, is one of the smallest communities of Manipur.
Acknowledging the academic excellence of Kharam students, president of United Naga Council (UNC), Gaidon Kamei said, “Until we make a change in the present political system, there will be no good educational system in the hills.”
Gaidon, who was the chief guest of the occasion, highlighted a host of factors notably infrastructure and educational materials, responsible for the poor performance of most tribal students. “Inadequate facilities have an adverse effect on the performance of tribal students.
“Education is important for the destiny of the tribals. We need to build a society based on wisdom and not muscle power,” the UNC president urged.
Gaidon stated that poor facilities and lack of teachers have crippled functioning of schools in the hills where educational needs have remained neglected for a long time.
He urged every community and Church leaders to focus on development of education while carrying out social activities.
At the event, president of All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM), Joseph Hmar who attended as guest of honour said, “Education has to be prioritized in this age. How long can we protect our identity and land in the absence of education ? ”
He suggested that Church and social activities of the tribal people can be beneficial in encouraging and developing academic performance of students.
President of Kharam Union, Manipur (KUM), R Samuel presided over the function and leaders from several Church and social organisations attended.
