Imphal, October 13 2010: The 12th convocation of Manipur University was held at the centenary hall of the university along with active participation from students, their parents/guardians and Professors of the university.

Governor of Manipur Gurbachan Jagat, who is also the Chief Rector of the University, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Chancellor of Manipur University PN Srivastava graced the convocation ceremony as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.

After the welcome address delivered by Vice Chancellor Prof C Amuba, Chancellor, Prof Srivastava presented gold medals and cash awards to 214 students who had been conferred degrees by various Departments of the University like School of Humanity, School of Social Science, School of Life Science, School of Human & Environment Science, School of Mathematics & Physical Sciences, School of Physical Sciences and School of Medical Sciences.

In his address, Governor Gurbachan Jagat observed that the primary task of education is not only to pass on knowledge but also to teach the youngsters which allow them to think for themselves and pick their choices.

It is this second attribute of education, i.e.thinking for oneself that is mostly missing from our education system, the Governor said, adding that it is all the more important for teachers in the University to concentrate on strategies to develop the student's ability to think for themselves.

Guest of honour of the ceremony Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh pointed out that there is no dearth of opportunities for hard working people in this present world which is developing very rapidly.

So there should be no setback in life.

Announcing that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Minister of Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal have given approval to academic reforms in higher education of Manipur, the Chief Minister explained that introduction of semester system and choice-based credit system in colleges are part of this proposed reforms.

The Government earlier thought that bringing about such reforms in the higher education could be an added burden to the economy of the State.

But it has come to light that these reforms would not affect the economy of the State nor there is any need to increase the number of teachers or expand the existing laboratory facilities, the Chief Minister said.

Expressing hope that Manipur University would continue to produce more and more meritorious students in future, he also appealed to the teachers for more dedication in their task of grooming the students.

In his presidential address, Prof Srivastava expressed desire for bringing together at least 80 percent of the students and teachers of the University at the residential level and said that living together of the students and the teachers in the same campus provides more opportunities to the students for consultation with the teachers.

He also drew the attention of the Government in this regard.

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