KANGPOKPI, Feb 16: Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & VP, CSIR, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Monday inaugurated a four-storey Vigyan Sadan in the FEEDS Campus at Hengbung in Sadar Hills, Senapati district.
Accompanied by Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur, former Minister Haokholet Kipgen who is also the President of FEEDS, Laxmi Kanta Sharma, ADM, Senapati, DK. Thangboi Haokip, Addl. DC Kangpokpi along with other officials, the Union Minister earlier went around and saw the facilities in the Laboratory, the Orchidaries, Hardening Chamber and the field Gene Bank and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Orchid Research and Development Centre, Hengbung staff of their good and dedicated hard work before he inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan.
The Minister inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan right after he had been accorded a warm reception by various tribes`™ civil society organizations at the FEEDS campus.
Visibly impressed by the activities and struggles of FEEDS and its associate projects in his maiden visit to Manipur Dr. Harsh Vardhan noted the FEEDS campus at Hengbung as world class research centre at a tribal and remotest part of the country.
Inaugurating the `Vigyan Sadan` the former medical doctor and CM candidate in Delhi election 2014 was in full praise of the research centre which also holds one of the biggest and best Orchid Gene Bank in the NE region.
Speaking at the investiture function the Union Minister said that despite hearing about the State of Manipur since long, he was finally able to make it after six decades, and only after becoming a Union Minister while adding that his visit to the state endowed him with understanding the needs, particularly the needs pertaining to Science and Technology in the state.
He also assured that if the scientists and officers with the help of the Government of Manipur heaved together for the welfare of the people of Manipur, it can make this state far more improved in all respects.
`I strongly feel that in spite of over six decades since Independence our states in the North East certainly deserve better treatment, better developmental modalities and better attention`, asserted Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
I can assure you on behalf of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he himself, with his whole cabinet and party colleagues of BJP are thoroughly committed to ensure the development of the North eastern states and to make Manipur one of the most prosperous and scientifically development states in the country, the Union Minister said.
Further assuring Manipur and North East India of special attention by the Modi led BJP government in the Center, the Minister also called upon the youths to contribute to the welfare of the State and the nation.
Dr. Vardhan also committed to setting up of Bio-Tech Park in Manipur as proposed and declared that the issue will be discussed with Chief Minister O.Ibobi whom he is meeting by evening today.
The five times elected member from Delhi Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave special reference to protection of our environment and bio-diversity which has become the most challenging task across different countries.
ENT by medical profession and the former Minister of Health and Family welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan also promoted the Make in India policy of the Center government encouraged skilled development of the locals and upgrade through the intervention of science and technology.
A veteran politician, writer and social activist, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that his visit to the State will give better understanding and will develop the state in whatever way possible.
Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur stressed on the need for popularizing Science and Technology in Manipur through proper facilities and upgradation of the Science City at Takyelpat and establishment of Bio-Tech park in Manipur.
While seeking more assistance for developing the newly inaugurated Vigyan Sadan the IAS officer also acknowledged the presence of the Union Minister as a big boost to the State`™s assets like FEEDS/KVK Hengbung which is rare in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the District Administration, ADM Laxmi Kanta welcomed the Union Minister to Senapati District and expressed its happiness over the presence and concern for the District.
Haokholet Kipgen, president of the Foundation of Environment & Economic Development Service (FEEDS), who is also the vice president of BJP(ST) morcha and former Minister in the Manipur Government said that Vigyan Sadan has been constructed as a centre to promote science, technology and innovation to scale up development particularly in Manipur and the North East region in general.
He continued that FEEDS, a host institute of KVK and ORDC, is an NGO located at Hengbung, Sadar Hills, Senapati district in Manipur for promoting research, extension and development using technology and innovation.
The FEEDS set up a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Govt. of India in 2002 and is extending agricultural technologies while adding that FEEDS was the first to introduced Emu birds in the Northeast Region and KVK Hengbung received the Best KVK of the North Eastern Region 2012 by ICAR.
He also said that with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, FEEDS established an Orchid Research & Development Centre (ORDC) in 2009 in its campus at Hengbung with the aim of Orchid Gene Conservation in the eastern Himalayan region.
Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills also submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister urging a Technology Centre at Kangpokpi.
Apart from ADC members, various CSOs leaders, local & village leaders, BJP workers, Horticulture and Agriculture department, Senapati, scientist and other dignitaries also attended the inauguration function.
Cultural dances were presented by Kuki-Thadou dance troupe, Maram and Poumai troupes marked the occasion.