Turbulence in state saddens Governor
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 26 2009: Visibly upset that people of Manipur have been enduring hardships owing to cease-less problems, the Governor Gurbachan Jagat has emphasised that solution to crux issues could be brought about through peaceful means only.

With apparent reference to the tumultuous situation and ceaseless bloodshed in the State, the Governor strongly advocated that a peaceful mechanism such as political dialogue needs to be worked out by the concerned citizens to solve problems besieging the State.

He also outrightly ruled out any positive outcome through reliance on violent means to achieve any objective.

Noting that Manipuris had been excelling in the field of games and sports at the national as well as inter-national level, the chief guest said 'sports - be it team event or an individual item, promote mental and physical ability of the youth, besides nurturing character and discipline in them'.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat releases 2nd School Meet souvenir

Reminding that without character and discipline, no society can move towards progress and prosperity, the Governor strongly ad-vocated that sports movement should be encouraged and supported.

Holding of a Meet or Championships generates competitive spirit among the competitors, that is essential for success in any vocation of life.

It provides an opportunity to the competitors to explore their talents and helps in promoting the feeling of brotherhood, friendship, sharing and oneness, he maintained and added, "In a trouble-torn society like ours, games and sports and other soft skills can play a valuable role in easing the tension and conflict situation".

Acknowledging that inspite of commendable exploits in the sports arena there is still need for improvement in development of infrastructure, systematic training, extending necessary incentives and encouragement, the Governor also expressed elation that a tiny state like Manipur has produced winner of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardees.

He also exuded confidence that with the vast resources of talented players in various disciplines of games and sports it is beyond doubt that more sporting laurels would be brought to the State.

Gurbachan Jagat also lauded organisers of the School Meet - Department of School Education for the inclusion of varied programmes such interaction between important personalities and the participating students, and cultural events like folk songs/dance and other cultural items.

"I believe, this will certainly help in expanding the vision of the students on various aspects of life.

As we all know, besides games and sports, Manipur is very rich in traditional art forms like folk dance and folk music, which need to be popularized among the youngsters," he said.

He also expressed confidence that organisation of the 2nd School Meet, will go a long way in strengthening the unity and integrity of the State, besides providing to the participating students an opportunity in projecting hidden talents in their respective fields. "In healthy competitions, the winners and the losers share the same honour and pride, and, therefore, the losers should not allow themselves to be discouraged for being defeated," the Governor advised.

He also donated Rs 30,000 from his discretionary fund to the organisers.

Among other dignitaries, Education Minister L Jayanta Kumar and Tourism Minister TN Haokip graced the inaugural ceremony as the president and guest of honour respectively.

The programme commenced with the Director of Education (Schools) M Harekrishna welcoming the guests and participants soon after arrival of the Governor at 10 am.

In his address, Education minister L Jayanta Kumar highlighted that taking into account inevitability of sports extra curricular activities the Education Department conceived the idea of hosting the annual School Meet.

Stating that manipur has earned a respectable place in the global perspective through excellence in the field of sports, culture and education, he grieved that certain elements are depriving students their right to education as a fallout of the ongoing class boycott agitation.

Prescribing peace in the society as a vital element for progress of the state, the Minister cautioned that people of manipur will certainly suffer in case there is prolong closure of educational institutions as had been witnessed today.

fervently appealing to all concerned to strive for creating a conducive atmosphere where future pillars of the society could hope and aspire for becoming better citizens, Jayanta Kumar emphasised that parents and guardians of school children will have to realise than remaining silent today will ultimately lead to irreprievable erosion of the society.

Speaking as the guest of honour, TN Haokip called upon the students to return to their classrooms as the society would be utilising their services in the future.

He also expressed hope that the School Meet will provide a platform for the student participants to exchange knowledge for betterment of the society.

The five day School Meet is being participated by over 800 student sportspersons from the all the nine districts of the State.

School contingents from the districts also participated in the march past ceremony at the packed stadium after which the Governor formally declared the annual School Meet open by hoisting the flag.