Imphal, April 23 2010: The 15th foundation anniversary of Indo-Myanmar Friendship Association was held today at manipur Press Club with director of Centre for Myanmar Studies, Manipur University Prof W Nabakumar as the chief guest.

Informing the gathering on the establishment of the Centre at the varsity, Prof Nabakumar said at present activities of the study unit revolve around research on the Indo-Myanmar relationships and forward report to the Central Government periodically.

Expressing hope that the UGC-funded Centre for Myanmar Studies would expand in the near future, he also exuded confidence that development of the Centre would be able to serve the purpose for its establishment.

Emphasising on the need for efficient and expeditious implementation of the Look East Policy, the Professor also deliberated on the topics of 'Indian Diaspora in Myanmar' and 'The Meitei Experience'.

Explaining that under an ongoing project efforts are being made to compile detailed information about the Meiteis in Myanmar as well as encompass the Indian diaspora of Myanmar to the 'Look east Policy', he stressed that formulating a two-way policy to bring about mutual benefit to the Myanmar Meiteis and people of Manipur would be an essential component for success of the ambitious international trade programme.

Pointing out that the 21st century belongs to Asia as the continent has emerged as a global power after Europe was hit hard by economic crisis, the Professor said along with India competing with China in terms of technological advancement Manipuris should not lag behind in making their presence felt in the global village.

opining that Manipur is a state with enough potential to grow exponentially in various fields, he however described absence of 'self-realisation' among the people as an important factor for the State's lethargic pace of development.

Calling upon the people to culture sense of unified policy making and its effective implementation to pave the way for Manipur's growth, the chief guest suggested that the Indo-Myanmar Association (IMA) work in tandem with the Centre for Myanmar Studies for overall development of the State.

IMA working president Ph Nandakumar Sharma and its advisor Laishram Triveni also spoke at the occasion.

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