Imphal, October 16: President APJ Abdul Kalam's visit to the State today was a sort of a mixed bag-landing amid the boycott call issued by the Apunba Lup, sharing his vision and thoughts on education at Manipur University, winning the hearts of school children at Bungmual in CCpur while officialdom snubbed the media at Mao as horde of reporters who had gone to cover the event at the Passion Fruit juice manufacturing unit at Mao were debarred from proceeding beyond a point.


The President addressing the convocation at MU, President at the school at Bungmual, Media persons who were denied entry find shelter on the road, Empty street on account bandh called by various organisations to boycott President's visit

After landing at the Tulihal airport by a special aircraft at about 9 am today, the President was flown in a helicopter to Manipur University to attend the 10th convocation of the university.

The President was at his elements while addressing the students as he touched on a number of points on the importance of education.

"Any university is judged by the level and extent of the research work it accomplishes.

This sets in a regenerative cycle of excellence.

Experience of research leads to quality teaching and quality teaching imparted to the young in turn enriches the research," he said.

Stating that both research and teaching go together in good colleges and universities the President said he was sure Manipur University will be known for its education and research work.

Maintaining that the entire North East and Manipur in particular is known for its rich bio-diversity, the President said the university must marshal its resources to develop a database of bio-diversity resource available in the State and suggest how best to use it economically without causing environmental degradation.

Research on development of herbal medicinal products needs greater focus, he said adding, " I visualize Manipur State having herbal farms and also transform herbs to drugs.

Manipur should aim to have a pharma company.

This would help in providing employment opportunities to our youths and give fillip to industrialization in the state".

Coming to border trade he said in the present WTO regime of globalization, liberalization and removal of trade barriers, exploration of border trade links with the neighboring countries are on the rise.

Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar and other northeastern states with Bhutan, Tibet, China and Bangladesh.

The university can consider taking up special course to facilitate border trade.

Research projects seeking to produce a wealth of useful data in evaluating trade prospects in select sectors so as to enhance economic opportunities for the people ought to be encouraged , he added.

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