Imphal, November 19: The 34th anniversary of laying the foundation stone of Manipur University, Canchipur at remembered today during a function held in the recreation hall of the University today.

The foundation stone of the University which was initially opened as a branch of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi was laid by the then Chief Minister of Manipur Md Alimuddin on November 19, 1972.Manipur University became an independent full-fledged university on June 5, 1980 and it was converted to status of a Central University on October 13, 2005.MLA O Joy and Vice Chancellor of the University C Amuba were respectively chief guest and president of the function organised by the local surrounding people of the Manipur University, Canchipur.

At the very outset, people offered floral tributes to the foundation stone of the University where a photograph of Md Alimuddin laying the same was placed.

Speaking at the occasion, O Joy said enhanced knowledge could only bring about development of human civilisation and the same can be acquired from higher place of learning like the University.

Dwelling on the history of the University at Canchipur, O Joy said it was set established in 1972 as a branch of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi at the initiative of then United Legislature Front (ULF) Government led by Md Alimuddin in 1972.After its establishment, the then Education Minister along with other people tried to shift the University to another place, but Alimuddin, who understood the suitability of its location insisted it should remained at Canchipur only.

So it would be a fitting tribute to such a noble personality to install his statue either inside the University campus or at a suitable site elsewhere, he added.

In his presidential address, Dr Amuba said June 5 every year is being celebrated as the foundation day of the Manipur University and the significance of November 19 in the history of the University had always been overlooked.

From next year, efforts would be made to celebrate the event in a grand manner, he assured.

While informing that the total area of the land being occupied by the campus of the Manipur University at present is only 276 acres, Dr Amuba noted that the earlier the total area of land occupied by the University was larger.

After the construction of various buildings of the Departments and erecting fencing around the campus, the size of the campus seem to be even smaller, he said, while comparing that main campus of the University at Shillong spread over an area of 1024 acres apart from maintaining a second campus while the campus of the Nagaland Central University is 900 acres.

On the developmental works being taken up in the University, Dr Amuba said the construction work being taken up in the University since last year is likely to go on for another two years.

He also assured that the Canchipur High School located inside the campus could be developed if the Govt hand it over to the University authorities.

Earlier giving the key note address, convenor of the organising committee of the function AK Abhiram pointed out the need to erect a memorial of Alimuddin inside the University campus.

Chairman of State Haj Committee MLA Md Abdul Salam, MUSU president O Rupachandra who were also present during the function as guests of honour.

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