Feb 3, 2025: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the Art and Culture building and an Open Gym and laid foundation stones for a 33/11 KVA Sub Station and a swimming pool inside the Manipur University campus today.
Addressing a formal function in this connection inside the Manipur University Auditorium as the Chief Guest, N. Biren Singh stressed the importance of a gym to maintain fitness in the modern world where physical movement has decreased.
The Chief Minister said that all educational institutes, including universities, schools, and colleges, are temples of learning, and those graduating from these institutions, especially universities, are the ones who contribute, guide, and shape society.
Acknowledging the importance of a university, the Chief Minister said the government has always tried not to neglect any issue or proposal concerning Manipur University. He further assured that the construction of the swimming pool would be completed within a year.
Recalling his presence at the same auditorium in May 2023, when the unfortunate violence in the state broke out, the Chief Minister prayed for peace to return to Manipur.
He also emphasized the need for proper discussions on the present situation with faculty, teachers, researchers, and students to understand the core issues of the conflict. Acknowledging the challenges, he urged people to remain aware of their goals.
The Chief Minister highlighted the responsibilities of educational institutes like universities in clearing public confusion. Touching on issues such as border fencing, he suggested that seminars or legal camps could be conducted to raise awareness and provide clarity.
A book titled “Know Manipur” has been published, he said, underscoring the importance of educating people about the roots and history of the land. He emphasized that society will progress when people start acting with a sense of belonging and ownership of the land.
“We have the talent, but we need to act with a sense of belonging and ownership,” the Chief Minister stated, further asserting that educational institutes should remain free from disturbances.
Manipur University Vice-Chancellor N. Lokendra Singh, in his presidential speech, credited the consistent support of the state and central governments for the university’s growth. He noted that Manipur University has expanded from being a JNU PG Centre to a full-fledged central university with 44 departments, 119 affiliated colleges, around 6,900 students in different departments, and 68,000 students in affiliated colleges.
He also highlighted the recent shifting of the Assam Rifles camp from the university campus as a significant achievement.
The function was attended by Ministers Th. Biswajit Singh, Th. Basanta Singh, MLAs Karam Shyam, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, along with faculty members, staff, executive members of the Manipur University Teachers’ Association, Manipur University Students’ Association, and students of the university.
