Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 29:
A month long talk programme on Myanmar organised by the Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University was kicked off today at the lecture of Anthropology Department, MU.
The inaugural function was attended by Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof Ch Amuba, Director of Centre for Myanmar Studies W Nabakumar and retired professor of Guwahati University JN Phukan as chief guest, president and special invitee respectively.
Speaking on the occasion Prof Ch Amuba remarked that Myanmar has close relationship with Manipur in terms of political history, economy, social structure and other aspects.
He noted that it was essential to established the Centre for Myanmar Studies in the University of the Sate.
The Vice-Chancellor further assured his cooperation to upgrade the centre to the level of an institution.
Prof W Nabakumar, Director of the Centre for Myanmar Studies informed that the Centre had successfully conducted a six monthe certificate course on Myanmarese language at Manipur University adding that the Centre has made all arrangements to conduct the same course for the second time from the next month.
He disclosed that the External Affairs Ministry has been encouraging the Centre to study on Indian diaspora.
In response to such encouragement, the Centre in collaboration with the External Affairs Ministry would undertake a detailed study of Indian diasporas in Myanmar soon, Nabakumar said.
During the inaugural function today, the chief guest Prof Ch Amuba also released two project reports-Amazing Land and Bibliographical Introduction to Myanmar, Volume I.Later in the talk session, Registrar of Manipur University Dr RK Ranjan spoke on "Geo-Environment of Myanmar" while Associate Professor of same university Earth Sciences Department Dr S Ibotombi dealt in "Natural Resources of Myanmar".
Retired Prof JN Phukkan of Guwahati University spoke on "The Shans of Myanmar".
In the subsequent days of the month long programme at Manipur University, many resource persons and experts would present papers on the geography, geology, politics and other aspects of Myanmar.